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COFmiCICr DEPOSIT. 



RAPID TRAINING OF 
RECRUITS 



RAPID TRAINING 
OF RECRUITS 

A PRACTICAL SCHEME 
M/v'.- CAMPBELL 

I.ATE LIEUT. U. S. MARINES 




NEW YORK 

FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 



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Copyright, 1917, by 
Frederick A. Stokes Company 

All rights reserved 



OCT 5 i 1917 

©CU477297 



NOTE 



Having been closely associated with re- 
cruits' work in his own battalion, it de- 
volved upon the writer to assist in the 
preparation of a programme for the con- 
duct of their training, and — in response 
to suggestions — he has been led to embody 
the results of his efforts and experiences 
in written form. Any length of time spent 
with soldiers during their early days in 
the Army is bound to result in the accu- 
mulation of many ''tips" and suggestions 
which, it is hoped, may be of practical 
value to those who find themselves placed 
in the position of being responsible for 
the training of recruits. 

The scheme as now given is not a theo- 
retical plan of what it might be possible 
to do with recnilt^j but ^a definite record 



vi NOTE 

of what has actually been accomplished 
over a period of many months. It is hoped 
that, armed with this little manual, a re- 
cruit instructor will be able confidently to 
undertake the responsibility of the train- 
ing of soldiers in their earliest stages of 
instruction. 

The writer acknowledges with much 
gratitude his obligations to those officers 
and non-commissioned officers under and 
with whom he has worked, and to whom 
many of the suggestions contained in the 
following pages are due. 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Foreword xi 

Introduction xv 

I — Introductory and General. 

(a) Joining of Recruits 1 

(b) Squad Instructors ....... 4 

(c) General Rules for Recruit Training: — 

(1) Introductory Lecture .... 8 

(2) Never Pass a Fault 10 

(3) Special Physical Training Drill . 11 

(4) Discipline 13 

(5) "Counting Out the Time" ... 16 

(6) Use of the Drum in Marching . . 17 

(7) Words of Command 18 

(8) The Practical Nature of the Work 18 
. (9) Extra Drills 20 

(10) Variety in Work 21 

II.— The Day's Work. 

(a) Time Table 22 

(b) The "Fall In" 22 

(c) Schedule of Work 27 

Notes ... 30 

A. — Practical Outdoor Work. 

(i.) Work to be done daily. — 

1. Physical Training .... 35 

2. Squad Drill— 

(a) Without Arms ... 35 
Combined "Refresher" 

Squad Drills ... 36 

(b) With Arms .... 39 



11. 

12l 
13. > 



Vm CONTENTS 

PAGE 

(ii.) Work to Be Done From Time to 
Time as Opportunity Offers: — 

3. Extended Order Drill ... 39 

4. Platoon Drill 46 

5. Company Drill .... 48 

6. Route March 50 

7. The Attack DriU .... 52 

8. Passing of Messages in Ex- 

tended Order .... 54 

9. The Attack— Simple Scheme 59 
10. Guards and Other Duties — 

Mounting — Guard Duties . 60 

Advance, Flank and Rear 
Guards 61 

14. Outpost Drill 62 

15. Outposts — Simple Scheme . 63 

16. Bayonet Fighting .... 65 

17. "Silent'^ DriU 65 

18. Night-Work 68 

19. Distance Judging .... 74 

20. Visual Training . . . .77 

21. Semaphore Signalhng ... 78 

22. Trench Digging .... 78 

23. Musketry 1 

24. Map Reading and Field [82 
Sketching J 

25. Bombing Instruction . . 83 

B. — Lectures — Outdoor or Indoor. 

26. History of the Corps ... 86 

27. Drill 87 

28. Discipline 88 

29. Marching and March Discipline 89 

30. A Day's Life at Camp . . 92 

31. 'Tips" for Soldiers . . . .93 



CONTENTS IX 

PAGE 

32. The Attack— Use of Cover . 95 

33. The Attack— 1 96 

34. The Attack— II 98 

35. The Defence— 1 100 

36. The Defence— II 101 

37. The Defence— III. . . .102 

38. Miscellaneous Matters— I. . 105 

39. Miscellaneous Matters— II. . 108 

40. Miscellaneous Matters— III. . Ill 

41. Miscellaneous Matters — IV. . 114 

42. Physical Training . . . .118 

43. Guards and Their Duties . 119 

44. Casualty Drill 121 

45. Outposts— 1 122 

46. , Outposts— II 124 

47. Protection on the March — 

Advance, Flank and Rear 

Guards— 1 126 

48. Protection on the March — 

Advance, Flank and Rear 

Guards— II 128 

49. Night Work— Elementary . 133 

50. Night Work— Advanced (Op- 

erations) 134 

51. Wood Fighting; Fighting in 

Close Country and Villages 

—1 136 

52. Wood Fighting; Fighting in 

Close Country and Villages 

—II 137 

53. Wood Fighting; Fighting in 

Close Country and Villages 

—III 139 

54. Ammunition Supply . . .140 

55. Entrenchments — I. . . . 142 

56. Entrenchments — II. . . . 143 



X CONTENTS 

PAGE 

57. Entrenchments— III. . . . 145 

58.- Scouting 146 

59. Reports and Reconnaissance . 148 

60. The Platoon System . . .150 

61. Artillery— 1 152 

62. Artillery— II 154 

63. Company Training . . .155 

64. Entrenching Tools . . .156 

65. Ceremonial 157 

66. Camp Sanitation .... 158 

67. Machine Guns ..... 158 

68. Military Hygiene . . . .160 

69. Military Engineering . . . 161 

70. Relations of a Soldier to the 

Civil Power 163 

71. How to Be Fit . '. . . . 164 

72. First Aid 165 

III.— The Weekly Time-Table . . . .167 

IV. — Record of Work Done 173 

V. — Rainy Weather 175 

VI. — Conclusion 178 



FOREWORD 

The adaptation of this work is based on 
an English publication entitled "Rapid 
Training of Recruits" by an instructor 
at Chelsea, Eng. This little work is not a 
theoretical scheme of how to train recruits, 
but an actual record of what is being ac- 
complished at this English camp. 

Our Regular army officers realize only 
too clearly the tremendous undertaking it 
will be to whip into shape the new national 
army and what is needed above all things 
is a definite programme of what is to be 
done, which must be rigidly adhered to. 
Taking a regiment as a unit, no hard and 
fast schedule should be adopted before 
each is thoroughly threshed out and di- 
gested by the officers of that regiment, and 
when this is done, the commanding officer 
should insist that each company com- 
mander follow out the programme, so that 



xii FOREWORD 

the progress of the regiment will be uni- 
form. There is nothing so prejudicial to 
good order and discipline as starting a 
morning's work with a hazy idea of what 
is to be done. It has been suggested the 
regimental commander detail one of his 
most intelligent officers, preferably a ma- 
jor or his second in command, to devote 
his whole time to the oversight of this work 
— a sort of senior instructor. 

Once a week there should be a meeting 
of all officers at headquarters which will 
be an open forum in which the youngest 
second lieutenant will have the privilege 
of expressing his opinion, and plans for 
the following week will be discussed and 
passed upon. By this means, a hearty co- 
operation will be exercised and an ''esprit 
de corps" soon engendered. Wise com- 
pany commanders will take their men into 
their confidence and explain that the pro- 
gramme is universal throughout the regi- 
ment. By so doing, in every way he should 
endeavor to cultivate that spirit of rivalry 
— to get his company to become more effi- 
cient than the next one — and he will soon 



FOREWORD xiii 

find his men will meet him more than half 
way. The secret of the efficiency of the 
British forces can be laid entirely to one 
thing — all work is made a game and 
that element of sportsmanship (which 
strangely enough is so lacking in the 
Hun's makeup) is speedily aroused and 
they all try to ''play the Game" to the 
best of their ability. 



INTRODUCTION 

"VVe of the United States are pitted 
against a stiffer proposition than we real- 
ize. We are in it now, and it is up to us, 
in from 6 to 12 months, to hammer into 
shape one million clerks, farmers and what 
not, to face these trained to the minute 
Huns, whose very tradition is military. It 
will be a herculean task but it can be done. 
Luckily our material is plastic and above 
the average in intelligence. To get the 
best results, the crushing brutal German 
tactics cannot be used. Our whipping 
them into shape, must be done diplomati- 
cally and it will necessitate a knowledge 
of human nature. 

A Frenchman, one Gustav Le Bon, has 
written a book — "The Crowd," which 
should be read by every newly commis- 
sioned officer. It is the psychology of the 
crowd and it will give the officer points 



xvi INTRODUCTION 

upon things of which he never dreamed. 
It will show him how to handle men. 

Getting down to "brass tacks" our duty 
is to develop the martial spirit in our men 
in the quickest possible time. To go at 
the matter intelligently it is necessary to 
have at least an elementary knowledge of 
psychology. Briefly — every person pos- 
sesses feeling, or the power of becoming 
aware of himself. When an outer object 
is brought in contact with him, a sense 
impression is produced and a sensation re- 
sults. According to its quality, whether 
it stimulates pleasure or pain, it becomes 
a sentiment. This sentiment may become 
fixed by repetition, then it becomes a habit, 
through hereditary action, an instinct. 
The strongest instinct naturally is that of 
self preservation. If a sensation is 
strongly tinged by sentiment, it leads to 
a reaction and an emotion results. If it 
is produced through the awakening of an 
instinct, the result is an impulse. Every 
sense impression leaves a mark on the 
mind which is retained by that quality of 
feeling known as m^emory. If a sensation 



INTRODUCTION xvii 

is revived an image results which acquires 
a meaning and is known as an idea. Will 
produces purpose which is a definite act 
and the immediate agents of these acts 
and movements are the muscles. Move- 
ments are classified as — (1) Voluntary 
and (2) Involuntary. The first is said to 
be under control of the will and this ac- 
tion is directed by the brain which tele- 
graphs the will by means of the spinal 
cord to the motor nerves. The second is 
not under control of the will and is di- 
rected by the spinal column itself. Invol- 
untary movements are of two kinds : in- 
stinctive, such as drawing the hand away 
from a hot stove, and acqiUred, such as a 
trained boxer assuming a guarding posi- 
tion when an opponent endeavors to 
strike him. A'cquired movements are 
called '^ reflex movements." Instinctive 
movements are derived directly or indi- 
rectly from the instinct of self preserva- 
tion. If the will has teen weakened hy 
fear or fatigue, then these instincts will 
predominate. Acquired movements are 
solely the result of education. As Lieut.- 



xviii INTRODUCTION 

Col. de Maud'huy of the French army 
states — ''The method which leads to this 
result, consists in at first creating con- 
scious associations which ultimately be- 
come unconscious." Whatever knowledge 
is to be acquired, as walking, riding, or 
learning military tactics, the method is al- 
ways the same. One must first cause by 
various methods, the conscious acts to pass 
into the unconscious. Taking the soul of 
the individual man, we see that every ob- 
ject which comes in contact with his feel- 
ings produces within him, a sentiment for 
good and evil. If these sentiments are ex- 
perienced continually, they produce hab- 
its, if doing the life of a race — instincts. 
Thus if an instinct monopolizes the whole 
of one's attention, an uncontrollable im- 
pulse is sure to follow. 

This brings us down to the question of 
the martial spirit. Uncle Sam has en- 
deavored to make an officer out of you and 
now you wish to make soldiers out of your 
men. Just how does he do it? Let us 
take your own case first, which later you 
will apply to your men. Uncle Sam can- 



INTRODUCTION xix 

not master your instincts which are your 
inheritance but he can your acquired ten- 
dencies. First he placed you among the 
elements of war, then you were bombarded 
from every side with warlike impressions. 
In time your acquired tendencies and re- 
flexes became altogether warlike. The 
spirit of war, little by little, gained com- 
plete sway over your whole body, mind 
and soul. It is separate and distinct from 
all other qualities as courage, determina- 
tion, confidence, etc. — at the same time it 
dominated all these, making them moral 
qualities — motor forces, which as they gain 
in impetus have in many instances con- 
trolled the very instincts of the soul. As 
Clausewitz has said: — "They form the 
spirit which permeates the whole being of 
war. These forces fasten themselves 
soonest and with the greatest affinity, on 
to the will which puts in motion and 
guides the whole mass of powers, uniting 
with it, as it were, in one stream, because 
this is the moral force itself. '* 



RAPID TRAINING OF 
RECRUITS 



RAPID TRAINING OF 
RECRUITS 

INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL 
I 

(a) The Joining of Recruits 

At the present rate of progress, the va- 
rious cantonments and camps in all prob- 
ability will be nearly ready by the time 
the men are called. Consequently a sys- 
tematic plan must be evolved for the han- 
dling of the men as soon as they report, so 
there will be as little confusion as pos- 
sible. It is probable when they do come, 
they will be in such numbers as to well 
nigh swamp the mustering officers and 
quartermasters. 

The British and Canadian system is to 
organize the newcomers at once into 
1 



2 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

squads of 24 men each, with a competent 
N. C. O. instructor in charge. (It has 
been found 24 men are all one N. C. 0. 
can comfortably handle.) The squads are 
classified from A to Z respectively. The 
men report at the various depots before 
they are sent to the camps to join their 
regiments, and are taken through the re- 
cruit stage, which consumes from 6 to 
8 weeks. Reports as to the exact stage 
reached by these recruits is forwarded 
with them when they join their regiment, 
in order that their instruction may be 
continued where left off before they join 
their company. This perhaps is the best 
system, as it does away with an enormous 
amount of detail work. In these British 
depots, where the men straggle in irregu- 
larly, inoculation is taken as the basis of 
division of the men in squads. Recruits 
are inoculated for the first time on 
Thursday, and the second, on a week from 
the following Saturday. Consequently all 
men joining between a Friday and the fol- 
lowing Thursday are placed in one squad. 
If the men are to report direct to the 



INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL 5 

camp, the following plan appears most 
practical : 

Let us suppose the draft is ordered to 
report on a certain date. All details it 
is taken for granted, have been worked out 
beforehand — particularly, as to the desig- 
nation of the N. C. 0. instructors, etc. The 
quota of this camp we will say is ten reg- 
iments—the 301st, 302nd, 303rd, etc. 
Bright and early on the day in question, 
the N. C. 0. instructors should be lined up 
for duty. As the recruits appear upon the 
scene, each should be asked for what 
branch he is designated or wishes to join. 
A competent sergeant and commissioned 
officer should do the questioning. If he 
says infantry, have him take his stand at 
the right — if artillery at the center — cav- 
alry to the left. Thus three lines will be 
started. As soon as twenty-four men are 
in any one line, an N. C. 0. instructor 
steps up and marches them off to the doc- 
tor for examination. When completed, 
they are taken to the quartermaster's for 
an issue of underclothes, trousers, towel and 
soap. They are then taken to the shower 



4 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

bath, each man being required to take a 
bath, and shed all civilian clothes and 
underclothes. A hospital steward should 
be stationed near to be on the lookout for 
body lice. If any recruit is so infected, 
he should be taken at once to the isolation 
camp. "When the bath is completed, the 
squad gathers up their civilian clothes and 
is taken back to the Quartermaster's for 
the balance of the clothing issue. While 
enroute, the men should be warned, all 
civilian clothes must be out of the camp 
by twenty-four hours, and this rule should 
be strictly enforced. When all have ob- 
tained their clothing supply, they are 
marched to the quarters assigned to them, 
and thus A squad becomes the nucleus of 
A Company 1st Battalion 301st Regiment. 
It is perhaps the best plan to fill up one 
regiment before starting upon the next. 

(b) Squad Instructors 

The test and best only, non-commis- 
sioned officers should he detailed for re- 
cruit instruction. In other words, they 



INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL 5 

must be specialists. A common view in 
the past has been, that any N. C. 0. can 
undertake this work. In the early stages 
of the war, an attempt was made in the 
English battalions to allow companies to 
take recruits into their ranks, each com- 
pany's N. C. O.'s being held responsible 
for the teaching of the recruits. In each 
and every instance this has turned out to 
be a lamentable failure. Recruit instruc- 
tion is highly specialized work and a good 
instructor is born and not made. (This is 
a strong argument for the British depot 
training, and if we wish to profit by Brit- 
ain's mistakes, here is our opportunity.) 
There are various reasons for this. 
First and foremost — the first, second, and 
third weeks are the most important in a 
recruit's life. He is brimming over with 
enthusiasm and "pep" for his new work. 
The manner in which he is dealt with, 
sympathized with, and encouraged by his 
squad instructor, plays a most important 
part in his subsequent progress. Habits of 
smartness or slackness, discipline or insub- 
ordination, of continued zeal or general 



6 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

all around boredness, are then formed, and 
are never thoroughly eradicated. The oft 
quoted comparison of soldiers with boys 
hits very closely to the truth. Rousseau 
has stated, the brain of a child is like the 
meshes of a sieve — the younger the child, 
the finer the meshes, and as it grows older, 
these meshes grow further and further 
apart, it taking more and more to make 
an impression. The recruit is the same 
way. The very novelty of the work, which 
is so utterly foreign to any thing he has 
ever experienced, tunes up every percep- 
tive faculty, and for the time .being at 
least he is in an exceedingly receptive 
mood. If he has an instructor who is full 
of ginger and enthusiasm and has the rare 
faculty of expressing himself, his recruit 
days will be of short duration. 

In an instructor individuality and char- 
acter are the most important points, next 
to a knowledge of the work. Make efforts 
to get a live man. A non-commissioned 
officer may know his drill through and 
through, and yet in fifteen minutes bore 
his squad to absolute inattention. An in- 



INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL 7 

striictor is before his squad day after day 
for weeks, explaining, exhorting, expostu- 
lating and if he cannot retain their inter- 
est unceasingly, his work is of no avail. 
The rule as to never reprove or check a 
commander before his squad applies most 
strongly in the case of recruits. The ut- 
most care should be taken, never to do 
anything likely to impair the confidence 
which all recruits must have in their in- 
structor. It does not follow that the old- 
est soldier necessarily makes the best in- 
structor^ — tliree or four of the best instruc- 
tors at Aldershot to-day were discovered 
in the ranks of the recruits themselves. 

Once having placed an N. C. 0. in 
charge of a squad, keep him there if it 
possibly can be arranged. Let the instruc- 
tor who has recruits for the first week 
keep them until they join their regiment. 
He knows his men, their peculiarities; 
and they know him and his. Much can be 
done by the judicious cultivation of 
friendly rivalries between squads. A squad 
one week ahead of another has no such 
great advantage, and one squad very often 



8 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

passes another in drill and general pro- 
ficiency. 

In order to insure as much uniformity 
as possible, an instructor's class should be 
started at the earliest possible date, and 
instruction given in the words of com- 
mand, the programme of the work, proce- 
dure on general parade, and the methods 
of tackling various subjects. Summon the 
instructors together on parade, as often as 
possible — it gives them a feeling of au- 
thority and responsibility, which is a de- 
cided encouragement, and helps on the 
work. 



(c) General Rules for Recruit 
Training 

(1) introductory lecture 

Commence with a brief talk on our 
army, its traditions, etc. — how we have 
come to enter the war — the difficult propo- 
sition that is before us — how thoroughly 
trained the Germans are and if we win, 
it will require the utmost cooperation upon 



INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL 9 

the part of every recruit — the great need 
for our speedy preparation. 

Then go into the duties of a soldier — 
drill — discipline — saluting with the num- 
bers of officers and troops about, and for 
the credit of the regiment's reputation — 
lay great stress upon this. The amount 
of non-saluting, and slack, half hearted sa- 
luting since the war has begun has been 
very discreditable to the training of our 
new army. Recruits should be thoroughly 
impressed with the importance of this mat- 
ter before being allowed to go out in uni- 
form. Officers do not always realize that 
a man wearing your regimental badge has 
only been enlisted one day. English "In- 
fantry Training" puts instruction in sa- 
luting before instruction in marching. De- 
scribe officers' badges of rank, and how 
otherwise they may be recognized. Ex- 
plain the programme of the work, the time 
table, the necessity of the cooperation of 
all to make the work a success, and the 
importance of punctuality, smartness and 
attention. 



10 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

(2) NEVER PASS A FAULT 

Squad instructors must strictly obey this 
rule, which is bound up with the proper ed- 
ucation of a squad. If the positions of ' ' At- 
tention," ''Parade Rest," and ''At ease," 
the turnings by numbers, etc., are not prop- 
erly attended to from the very beginning 
slack habits are formed which become dif- 
ficult to cure. Every time the command 
"Attention" is given care must be taken 
to ensure that every man is standing at 
''Attention" — faults must be pointed out 
continuously. It is better for recruits to 
be wearied by constant repetition than for 
them to drill badly. The same applies 
throughout the whole of their drill. If 
there are one or two men who apparently 
are physically unable properly to carry 
out commands (and there will be) they 
must be dealt with by the physical train- 
ing instructor, as explained in the next 
paragraph. 

Never hurry commands — ' ' Squad Right ' ' 
— pause ; see that there has been no move- 
ment — "March" — pause; see that the 



INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL U 

movement lias been made correctly, and 
thereafter no movement ; if there has been^ 
give ''As you were," and start over again 
— ''Right Turn" — pause; see that the 
turn has been properly made — "March." 
"As you were" is the chief and constant 
weapon of the recruit instructor ; the words 
should be in his mouth continually; their 
use brings smartness, alertness, instant re- 
sponse to orders. In commands by num- 
bers it is frequently necessary to make 
the essential cautionary word by giving 
"Squad," unless the movement is carried 
out fairly quick, e.g., "Eight shoulder 
arms by numbers. One. ' ' If then you wait 
to see whether the first movement is prop- 
erly executed by all, do not suddenly 
shout "Two," or the men will not move 
together; you must give 

(3) SPECIAL PHYSICAL TRAINING DRILL 

Physical training should be given daily, 
but in practically every squad there oc- 
curs cases of men who, by reason of long 



12 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

years of sedentary life or slackness, can- 
not, for example, stand up quite straight 
or march in step. This latter is the more 
difficult to cure; periodically a really bad 
case occasionally crops up — the man seems 
simply incapable of putting down his feet 
in time with others; the rhythm of the 
thing never enters into him ; marching 
with a band he never knows that he is ' ' on 
the wrong foot." It would not seem pos- 
sible that a man could go on for any dis- 
tance putting down his feet every time 
just a fraction of a second after one hun- 
dred other men ; but such cases do occur. 

These physically backward people — usu- 
ally never more than three or four at a 
time — should be handed over to the Physi- 
cal Training instructor every afternoon, so 
that they have practically individual tui- 
tion. He takes them through his special 
exercises — gently and encouragingly — and 
through the running exercises and games. 
He usually improves them up to the point 
of rejoining their squads within a very 
few days. 



INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL 13 

(4) DISCIPLINE 

Although naturally a man straight from 
civil life must be broken gently into the 
rigid rules of military discipline, yet on the 
other hand he must be broken into them ; 
and there is no excuse for slackness on the 
part of a squad instructor in this regard. 
Much can be, and has been, said for the 
splendid spirit of self-sacrifice and patriot- 
ism actuating the recruits of the new forces 
^but it must be remembered that there are 
defects sometimes to these qualities, which 
occasionally take the form of protest, not 
expressed, but present none the less, at the 
stringency of military discipline, the red 
tape (as it is described) of military rou- 
tine (this especially from business men), 
and the army system generally. A pro- 
fessional or business man cannot always 
realize that, although he may earn his hun- 
dreds and even thousands yearly in civil 
life, he is not always worth his dollar a 
day to the nation as a soldier. Fortunately 
this attitude is not very prevalent, but 
where it exists it must be firmly dealt with. 



li RAPID TRAINIXG OF RECRUITS 

It is not uncommon for soldiers of the 
new type to reflect when comparing them- 
selves — from the point of view of parade 
discipline and smartness and unhesitancy 
at drill — with, say, long and carefully 
trained Regulars, that, although miles 
away from this ideal, yet, when the stress 
of battle arrives, their far superior intelli- 
gence and education will more than com- 
pensate for this lack of the absolute sol- 
dierly spirit. No misconception could be 
more fatal to success in war than this. One 
well-trained company is worth a brigade 
of geniuses in the trenches. This must be 
continually impressed on our recruits by 
precept and practice. But to return to 
our first point, this inculcation of disci- 
pline must not be too harsh at the outset. 
"Plenty of 'rests,' but when they are at 
'attention' not a move," should be the in- 
structor's rule. A sergeant who enters 
into some explanation, if only for one min- 
ute, with his men at ' ' attention, ' ' and then 
allows them to fidget or move, is deliber- 
ately encouraging bad drill and indisci- 
pline. On the other hand, keeping the 



INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL 15 

company standing perfectly motionless on 
occasions, as, e.g., at the calling of the 
roll, or preparatory to dismissal, is splen- 
did training. 

All those many little points that distin- 
guish a well-disciplined company from an 
ill-disciplined one — such as absolute punc- 
tuality in falling in, the leaving of any 
parade ground, luncheon place, or lecture 
room in a cleaner and better condition 
than that in which it was found, the 
standing at "attention" when addressing 
officers or non-commissioned officers, me- 
ticulous care in saluting officers in the 
streets, soldierly behavior in public places 
— must -be insisted upon from the outset, 
or bad habits will be formed. A soldier 
is made or marred in his first fortnight. 

A tendency may be found, especially on 
the part of recruits who are interested in 
and have studied details of the campaign, 
to think, and perhaps to say off parade, 
that this or that particular item of recruit 
training is not really necessary, is waste 
of time, because "it is not used at the 
Front." This must be jumped on at once. 



16 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

It is not the part of recruit instructors, let 
alone recruits, to decide what is wanted 
at the Front. 

The official manuals give us a very clear 
and well-defined idea as to what form the 
training should assume, and it is an act of 
indiscipline for any one not in high au- 
thority to lay down that any particular 
branch of work need not be dealt with. To 
give an example, in signalling, it has been 
stated that semaphore signalling is 
"washed out" — not used. So long as the 
Signalling Manual deals with this class of 
communication, obviously it must be 
taught. As a matter of fact, in this par- 
ticular instance the statement had not 
even the merit of truth. 

(5) ''counting out the time" 

In such movements in drill as turnings, 
salutings and especially arm drill, it is 
essential that the actions should be carried 
out smartly and together. This can only 
be secured by men carrying out these move- 
ments in exactly the same time. The first 



INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL 17 

occasion any movement is done "judging 
the time," the time should be shouted out 
by a non-commissioned officer. 

(6) USE OF THE DRUM IN MARCHING 

The Imperial Handbook ''Infantry 
Training," 1914, lays down that "recruits 
are not to be taught to march without the 
constant use of the drum and pace stick." 
Even a good drummer will not always 
beat time absolutely correctly (the ten- 
dency always being to get faster) without 
a metronome. Moreover, the changes in 
time, as, e.g., the slow march (75 paces a 
minute), quick time (120), and the re- 
cruits' quick time (140) cannot be regu- 
lated except by the use of this instrument. 
It is cheap, and well worth the money. 
With regard to this recruit quick time of 
140 paces a minute, on paths it can be 
done, but it was found impossible to ef- 
fect this in squad drill on the grass, es- 
pecially if it is not cut very short indeed. 
It is better therefore to keep the pace to 
120. Marching up and down a path in 



18 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

fours at 140 paces, with frequent halts, 
''To the Rear," ''By the Right Flank," is 
a most useful drill practice for a quarter 
of an hour, especially if the strictest at- 
tentio-n is paid to the dressing of the fours, 
proper distances, heads up, covering off 
front to rear, and to the giving of words 
of command at the right moment. 

(7) WORDS OF COMMAND 

All the rules given in the official manu- 
als apply doubly as strongly to recruit 
instructors. As insisted on previously, the 
very best drills among the non-commis- 
sioned officers of the battalion must be 
allotted to this important recruit work. 
Instructors must study, and be quite ef- 
ficient in giving words of command on the 
right foot — some non-commissioned offi- 
cers are not careful enough about this. 

(8) THE PRACTICAL NATURE OF THE WORK 

Recruits sometimes have an idea that 
much of their training is a necessary evil 
to be got through with before the real 



INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL 19 

business of fighting begins, and not as an 
essential preparation for the latter. The 
fallacy of this idea should be rubbed in 
whenever possible. The writer had charge 
of three squads, not amongst the most ju- 
nior, on a route march, in the course of 
which it became necessary to form ''Right 
by twos ' ' in order to get through a narrow 
gateway. This manoeuver resulted in far 
too much marking time when fours were 
re-formed owing to the men in file not 
keeping ''blocked up" — a thing that was 
always properly done when the movement 
was given as an item of squad drill. Here 
clearly was a case in point, and an oppor- 
tunity to press home the lesson. The men 
were halted and told that the only reason 
for all the squad drill practice of such a 
manoeuver was that it should be properly 
done when it became necessary to go 
through a narrow place; and that if this 
teaching were forgotten when it became 
necessary to utilize the training practi- 
cally, the former became simply waste of 
time ; and the gate was gone through twice 
again as a drill movement. 



20 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

Again, many of the Swedish drill move- 
ments are designed more for producing 
alertness of mind and rapid communica- 
tion between the will and the muscles than 
for mere muscle enlargement; and if re- 
cruits are informed that these exercises are 
given so that when later on in the trenches 
they are shouted at by an observer to take 
cover or some such command, they may 
effectually, and in good time, do so, and 
save themselves from injury or worse, they 
are more inclined to grasp the practical 
application of the particular Swedish 
movements. 

(9) EXTRA DRILLS 

Some men are bound to be backward, 
although ^'triers." To meet these cases 
extra drills should be held when necessary 
•for one hour after parade. Make it per- 
fectly clear that this is not a punishment, 
but merely necessary extra tuition. The 
drills are taken in turn by the squad com- 
manders. If this fails, there is no recourse 
but to put the men back to later squads; 



INTRODUCTORY AND GENERAL 21 

but this should not be done if it can be 
avoided, as it is hard on the men, and — 
more important — it interferes with the 
inoculation arrangements. 

(10) VARIETY IN WORK 

Take full opportunity of the weekly pro- 
gramme-arranging meeting to vary the 
week's work as far as possible for the men. 
The scheme of work as laid down later 
affords ample scope for this to be done. 
Never lose sight of the fact, however, that 
squad drill is by far the most important 
part of a recruit's training. Arrange the 
musketry, map, field work, bayonet-fight- 
ing instruction, and so on, so as to make 
a varied and interesting week's work for 
every squad. 



II 

THE DAY'S WORK 

It is proposed to set out in detail the 
plan of work as eventually arrived at, as 
the result of actual experience and sugges- 
tions in the writer's battalion, giving ex- 
planation and detail where required. 

(a) Time Table 

Hours of work should be from 8.00 a.m. 
to 4.30 p.m. (Saturdays to 12 p.m.), with 
an hour's interval for lunch (except Sat- 
urdays). 

(b) The ''Fall In" 

A marked improvement in steadiness on 
parade followed the introduction of the 
fall-in by drum, as practised at the Chel- 
sea School of Instruction. There is no 

22 



THE DAY'S WORK 23 

doubt of the bracing influence of the drum 
on the men's demeanor. A man feels 
' ' there is a difference between now and two 
minutes ago. I am now * Fallen in' on 
parade," and his behavior alters accord- 
ingly. It does much to eradicate slouch- 
ing on parade and inattention to orders. 

The following is the detail. (This is of 
course the English method but it is wor- 
thy of note) : 
Falling in on Parade. 

(1) On the command ''Fall — in" from 
the Sergeant-Ma j or, the drummer 
will beat an open flam (two taps), 
the whole of the compan}^ will stand 
at ease, except the right-hand man 
of the front rank of each squad, 
who will come to attention and take 
one and a half paces forward (at 
the order) and turn to the right, 
taking up his covering from the 
front, and dressing from the left 
flank. The instructor of the leading 
squad will cover the markers from 
the front, and give the command 
''Markers — Steady," upon which 



24 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

the right guides of each squad will 
turn to their front (left turn). 

(2) The drummer will beat a close flam 
(one tap), upon which the company 
will come to ''attention" (with re- 
cruits, this and other parts of this 
falling in have to be repeated). 

(3) The drummer will count a pause of 
about 4 seconds, and will then beat 
a roll, when the company will take 
a pace forward (30 inches), count 
a pause of about 2 seconds, and 
then turn their heads and direct 
their eyes to the right, moving up 
the remaining half-pace by short, 
quick steps. (With recruits it was 
found preferable to precede this 
w^ith the command ''Right — Dress" 
by the Sergeant-Major. During the 
dressing squad commanders will 
stand seven paces to the right of 
their right guides, taking their own 
dressing from the left, and facing 
the company. When the left-hand 
instructor has dressed his squad, he 
raises his hand, and the instrue- 



THE DAY'S WORK 25 

tors return to their posts two paces 
in front of their center man in quick 
time, and turn to the right.) When 
the whole of the company is steady 
(men still looking to the right), the 
drum will cease to roll (concluding 
with a close flam), upon w^hich the 
company will turn their heads and 
eyes sharply to the front. 

(4) The Adjutant (or Sergeant-Ma j or) 
will give ''Parade (or Squads) — 
Stand at — Ease — Call the roll," on 
which squad instructors will call 
their squads up to ''attention" (see 
that this is not overlooked), call the 
roll, and prepare their squads for 
inspection. Squad instructors should 
turn about smartly and together be- 
fore doing this. 

(5) "When the roll has been duly called 
the Adjutant (or Sergeant-Major) 
calls for "Squad Commanders," 
who proceed in quick time and form 
up in front of him, sticks being 
carried in the proper position of at- 
tention, and, in turn, from A squad 



26 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

(on the right) report ''All present, 
sir/' or otherwise. They then re- 
ceive from the Sergeant-Major the 
command ' ' Squad Commanders, 
About — Turn. To your squads — 
March." It is important that all 
this should be efficiently and prop- 
erly carried out by the instructors, 
as example plays a huge part with 
recruits in developing habits of 
smartness on parade. 
With any number of squads up to six 
fall in in close column of squads; over six 
the fall in must be in mass. In the latter 
case the leading squad commanders (ex- 
cept the left-hand man), when they have 
finished dressing the guides, look to the 
left-hand instructor and, taking the time 
from him, return in quick time to their 
positions in front of their squads and turn 
about — all these as drill movements. The 
Sergeant-Major himself then gives ''Mark- 
ers — Steady. ' ' 

After inspection by the squad command- 
ers — occasionally by officers — squads are 
then ready for the day's work. 



THE DAY'S WORK 21 



(c) Schedule of Work 

The following is the schedule of work to 
be carried out: — 



A. — PRACTICAL OUTDOOR WORK 

(i) Work to he done Daily, 
No. 

1 Physical training. 

2 Squad drill — without and with arms. 

(ii) Work to he done from Time to Time 
as Opportunity Offers. 

3 Extended order drill (practice fre- 

quently). 

4 Platoon drill. 

5 Company drill. 

6 Route march — once weekly. 

7 The Attack — as a drill purely. 

8 Passing of messages in extended or- 

der. 

9 The Attack. — very simple scheme — 

embracing 7 and 8. 
10 Guards and piquets — mounting;, 
guard duties. 



28 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

11 Advance guard. 

12 Flank guard. 

13 Rear guard. 

14 Outposts — as a drill. 

15 Outposts — simple scheme. 

16 Bayonet fighting. 

17 ''Silent drill" — preparatory to night 

work. 

18 Night work — one evening weekly. 

1^ -r^. , • -, . 1 By arrangement 

19 Distance judgmg ^^.^^ ^^^^^^^ 

20 Visual training \ • . . 

^ J instructor. 

21 Semaphore signalling — elementary. 

22 Trenching — digging. 

23 Musketry ^ Taken by special- 

24 Map reading and [ ist officer in- 

field sketching J structors. 

25 Bombing instruction. 

B. — LECTURES — OUTDOOR OR INDOOR. 

26 History of our Army. 

27 Drill. 

28 Discipline. 

29 Marching and march discipline. 

30 ''A day's life at camp." 



THE DAY'S WORK 29 

31 ''Tips for soldiers." 

32 Attack — use of cover. 

33 The Attack— I. 

34 The Attack— II. 

35 The Defence— I. 

36 The Defence— II. 

37 The Defence— III. 

38 Miscellaneous matters — I. 

39 Miscellaneous matters — II. 

40 Miscellaneous matters — III. 

41 Miscellaneous matters — IV. 

42 Physical training. 

43 Guards and their duties. 

44 Casualty drill. 

45 Outposts — I. 

46 Outposts— II. 

47 Protection on the march — Advance, 

flank and rear guards — I. 

48 Protection on the march, Advance, 

flank and rear guards — II. 

49 Night work — elementary. 

50 Night work — advanced — operations. 

51 "Wood fighting — fighting in close 

country and villages — I. 

52 Wood fighting — fighting in close 

country and villages — II. 



30 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

53 Wood fighting — fighting in close 

country and villages — III. 

54 Ammunition supply. 

55 Entrenchments — I. 

56 Entrenchments — II. 

57 Entrenchments — III. 

58 Scouting. 

59 Reports and reconnaissance. 

60 The platoon system. 

61 Artillery — I. 

62 Artillery— II. 

63 Company training. 

64 Entrenching tools. 

65 Ceremonial. 

66 Camp sanitation. 

67 Machine guns. 

68 Military hygiene. 

69 Military engineering. 

70 Relation of a soldier to the Civil 

Power. 

71 How to be fit. 

72 First-aid. 

NOTES 

At a glance it may be thought that there 
is altogether too much ''lecture" about this 



THE DAY'S WORK 31 

programme; but it should be explained 
that these ''lectures" merely take the 
form of half -hourly chats on the many 
subjects, a certain amount of the detail 
of which must be known to soldiers. The 
hours of work, as explained above, were 
from 8 to 4.30, with a break at 1 p.m. 
No troops, however keen, can be kept con- 
tinuously at drill for 4 hours — at any 
rate without losing interest and efficiency. 
Squad instructors from time to time for 
purposes of rest stood their squads "easy" 
for a short time, but did not give any def- 
inite ''break-off," It was found expedi- 
ent for the sake of uniformity and of ap- 
pearance (nothing looks worse than the 
sight of odd squads lying or sitting about 
the parade ground smoking), and in or- 
der to secure that all men had the rest 
period together and for the same dura- 
tion of time, to arrange a half -hour's lec- 
ture time in both morning and afternoon 
sessions. At this time the whole of the 
recruits were assembled (or divided ac- 
cording to the lectures to be given) un- 
der a tree or other convenient spot. The 



32 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

time was frankly one of rest; but while 
men are resting it is perfectly possible for 
them to follow and remember the points 
of these talks on military matters. It 
formed the change of occupation, which is 
the truest recreation. No attempts were 
made to make people ''pay attention," 
and all endeavors were made to create an 
atmosphere of free discussion and interest 
— keeping (as a matter of convenience) 
questions to the end as far as possible. 
This is not always possible — it is sometimes 
better to settle a disputed point right oif. 
As a fact, no complaints were ever re- 
ceived of men not paying attention to 
these discourses. One point with regard 
to questions, however, must be insisted on. 
A questioner must speak out with a loud 
voice, so that all may hear his question — 
if necessary he must be made to stand up 
— and one question only at a time, other- 
wise there is danger of the affair resolv- 
ing itself into a series of small debating 
societies. This must not be allowed to 
discourage questioning; on the contrary, 
reasonable and intelligent questions should 



THE DAY'S AVORK 33 

be encouraged as mucli as possible. Men 
with previous war service (and we were 
lucky enougb to have several) can, and 
will, if encouraged, often drive home a 
point by some practical illustration from 
their own career. This stimulates inter- 
est greatly. 

The lectures should be distributed 
amongst the officers and squad command- 
ers and other non-commissioned officers. 
This is essential, as with squads away on 
other work it is sometimes necessary, in 
order to fit in, to have three, even four, 
lectures going on at once. It was found 
that squad commanders became very keen 
on this branch of their work, and made it 
a point of honor to become something very 
akin to experts, reading all that there is 
to be read on their own particular sub- 
jects. 

If any excuse were needed for this sys- 
tem of combined lecture and rest, it lies 
in the fact that everything has to be done 

as far as is compatible with efficiency 

—in these strenuous times rapidly. Our 
drill has to be done at pressure— and 



34 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

therefore certainly our lecturing. There 
is no time for the long recruit training of 
the pre-war period. The facts of military- 
life covered by this series of lectures must 
be made known to the men, and the writ- 
er's experience shows that this is an easy 
way in which it can be done. 

The lectures will be dealt with in numer- 
ical order later. 

Obviously, care must be taken that if 
any practical work (Part A) is covered by 
a lecture (Part B), the lecture must be 
given first. This point must be dealt with 
at the meeting to prepare the weekly time- 
table. 

The following is the schedule of work in 
detail : — 



A. — Practical Outdoor Work. 

(i) Work to be Done Daily 

Note. — Lecture first — and as shortly be- 
fore the practical work as can be arranged. 



THE DAY'S WORK 35 

1. PHYSICAL TRAINING 

This work, except the mere marching, 
running, jumping, etc., exercises should 
be given only by a qualified instructor. 
The authorities are very keen on this. 
Physical training has a wonderful effect 
in smartening men for drill. 

It was found necessary to divide the 
squads into two or more parties for phys- 
ical training, one (or more) for the first 
hour in the morning and the remainder 
for the second hour, the others doing 
squad drill or other work. 



2. SQUAD DRILL 

(a) Without Arms. 

With a view to the better classification 
of the work done, to the actual progress 
made by the different squads, and to the 
avoidance of the possibility of omitting 
any small items of drill, squad instructors 
should keep strictly to the programme of 
drill in these tables, and ensure that a 



36 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

squad is proficient in one table before be- 
ing taken on to the next. 

Squad instructors must be strictly au 
fait with everything in the Infantry 
Training Book. Squad drill must be known 
backwards, forwards, inside out. Drill is 
a special opportunity for instructors to 
be absolute autocrats. Kecruits as a rule 
take a very great interest in their work, 
especially on parade, and many of them 
are already acquainted — more or less 
thoroughly — with the theoretical side of 
drill. Any evidence of non-infallibility on 
the part of their instructors, therefore, 
comes as a shock, and such things must 
not be allowed to happen. 

Combined ^^ Be fresher" Squad Drills. — 
These were taken at the conclusion of the 
morning and afternoon sessions, after the 
lectures, and were bound to be extremely 
useful indeed in conducing to smartness 
and uniformity. Without such drill cer- 
tain differences will be bound to creep in ; 
the individuality of squad instructors 
will discover an outlet without departing 
in any way from the text of the official 



THE DAY'S WORK 37 

drill book. All squads on parade took 
part in these drills without reference to 
their seniority; and different officers or 
non-commissioned officers conducted the 
drill on different days. Squads were 
turned into squads in single rank by mere- 
ly moving back the rear rank three paces. 
Distances between squads is immaterial, 
as long as it is the same; but it must be 
understood that no attempt is made to 
perform any company drill movements, 
except that in marching in column, dis- 
tances, and in marching in line of squads 
in fours or file, intervals, must be kept, 
purely to allow of forming movements to 
be carried out. Squad commanders and 
their assistants do not "take post" in any 
way, but keep on the move, placing them- 
selves where they can best exercise super- 
vision over their squads, checking any 
errors on the part of their own men. The 
drill is merely ''combined squad drill" — 
three or more squads instead of one — and 
all orders are given in the singular, e.g., 
"Squad— 'shun." 

The value of this drill lies in the spirit 



38 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

of emulation it creates amongst the squads. 
Each squad is out to shine whilst drilling 
with the others. Every member of a 
squad is anxious not to spoil the drill ef- 
fect of his own squad by making any mis- 
takes. Being an integral part of a big 
drill such as this (nine squads have been 
drilling together at a time), has a very 
beneficial and salutary effect on the indi- 
vidual. 

Each combined drill was concluded with 
five minutes' marching in fours on a path, 
where the step can be kept fairly easily 
without the use of the drum, the com- 
mands ''To the Rear— March," ''Right by 
Twos— March!" " Squad— halt, " "Mark 
— time," and others being given continu- 
ously. 

Every effort must be made by the in- 
structors to keep the drill bright and in- 
teresting. Squad drill lacks the varied 
movements of company drill, and is apt to 
become boring unless conducted by a keen, 
intelligent man. Any signs of listlessness or 
inattention must be smartly checked by a 
few seconds' rest or by changing the drill. 



THE DAY'S WORK 39 

(b) Squad Drill luith Arms. 

In these times it is not always possible 
to have sufficient arms to equip every re- 
cruit. Rifle drill had, therefore, to be 
made a special subject, squads being sent 
from time to time for instruction. '^Count- 
ing out the time'' should he utilized at 
first; instructors must know the detail, not 
parrot fashion, but so as to describe 
what is to be done without hesitation. As 
many non-commissioned officers as possi- 
ble must be sent with the squad doing arm 
drill, as — especially during the prelimi- 
nary work — one supervisor to every six 
men is none too many. 

(ii) Work to be Done From Time to 
Time as Opportunity Offers 

Eememher, always begin with Explanation 
and Illustration. 

3. EXTENDED ORDER DRILL 

(Always from ''at ease" position.) 
JMust be done as a drill thoroudily first. 



40 



RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 



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THE DAY'S WORK 41 



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44 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

]\Ien are told the reasons for this open 
formation, and are inclined to look upon 
it as an attack and an opportunity for 
relaxing the rigid rules of squad drill. 
The whole idea of the thing is to get men 
on under fire, and therefore discipline of 
a very high order is demanded. If re- 
cruits show inattention and any signs of 
sloppiness, close at once and have five 
minutes' stiff close order drill. It should 
always be given for the first three or four 
times by word of command, subsequently 
by whistles and signals. Go slowly; spend 
plenty of time on extending and closing. 
Working by means of messages passed 
from man to man is the final stage. Ex- 
tended order drill can be commenced at a 
very early period in the training, as it is 
not really dependent on squad drill, ex- 
cept for the marching and turning. But 
— let it be repeated — at the slightest sign 
of loss of discipline or control, close 
at once and resume squad drill. Extended 
order in the field is dealt with later under 
The Attack (No. 9). 

When the signals have been learnt, con- 



THE DAY'S WORK 45 

stantly test the men's knowledge of them, 
as follows : — 

Advance {always to ohjective) — line 
must be kept. 

Retire (alivays from objective). 

Halt (not lie down unless order given) ; 
if retiring, halt and face objective. 

Lie down {at once) ; repeat if badly 
done; when advancing, up together 
and immediately. "When you rise 
to advance, advance as you rise." 

Change direction or position. 

Inclining and turning. 

Quick time and double. ; 

Closing. 

Reinforce (leave reorganization till 
later in the attack). 

It is useful to change suddenly a squad 
from close order drill to extended order, 
without warning other than the order, to 
develop smartness and alertness. Men must 
not be allowed to think of drill as in com- 
partments (squad drill, arm drill, extended 
order drill). They will do this unless con- 
stantly practised. Many of the physical 



4G RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

training movements are designed with this 
end of improving quickness of body and 
alertness of mind, and the principle can 
be carried into ordinary drill. For in- 
stance, it is a good practice after drilling 
a squad for some time suddenly to halt, 
dress and stack arms ; also halt, break off 
and fall in again in a minute's time. Prac- 
tice falling in. Do all that is possible to 
make men quick and smart in taking off 
equipments and dressing them on the 
ground. Recruits carried out their phys- 
ical training in gymnasium shoes, which 
involved the removal of boots and putties. 
Far too much time may be wasted over 
this. 

Soldiers must be read}^ at any time, in 
any place, under any circumstances, to 
carry out any order, however unexpected. 

4. PLATOON DRILL 

Platoon drill, pure and simple, should 
be given more often than it is. Its object 
is to fit the platoon to take its place with 
the company. Practice dismissing and 



THE DAY'S WORK 47 

falling in again in as short a time as pos- 
sible to accustom men quickly to find their 
right places in the different sections. 
Train selected privates to act as efficient 
guides, to march on a point (preferably 
on two points in line, e.g., a tree and a 
church tower — this obviates crooked 
marching) , to turn to the front smartly on 
the command. It is much more difficult to 
"march on a point" than would appear. 
Test men by marching them off from j^ou, 
by instructing them to place one stick in 
the ground when they have gone 10 yards 
from you and another stick when they 
have gone 20 yards; then cover the man 
with the tw^o sticks (he having taken up 
his own two points to march on before- 
hand) ; then, if he deflects from the per- 
fectly straight course, it can be seen in- 
stantly. Not many can get through this 
severe test. Guides should receive special 
training in this work. 

Recruits are much interested when they 
come to do platoon drill. It is a change 
from the eternal squad drill, and they feel 
that they have made a distinct advance. 



48 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 
5. COMPANY DRILL 

If men are pleased to do platoon work, 
much more so are they when they are al- 
lowed to hegin company drill. This can 
always be done when four squads are suf- 
ficiently advanced for the purpose. One 
finds officers occasionally to whom com- 
pany drill is a wearisome burden, and it 
does become so indeed if it is slackly car- 
ried out ; but performed by a body of keen, 
interested soldiers, the rhythm of the 
thing, the neatness of the movements 
(many are really pretty), the careful ma- 
noeuvring required to get the company 
safely past obstacles, the use of the vari- 
ous movements to fit in with the nature of 
the ground (''Facing left, advance in — 
column" is obviously intended to cover 
the case of a company in column of squads 
along a path surrounding the drill ground 
proceeding straight across the ground at 
right angles to the path) — all these make 
company drill one of the most fascinating 
parts of military work. 

"Go very slowly" must be the motto 



THE DAY'S WORK 49 

with recruits. One or two movements per- 
fectly done should suffice for the first drill. 
No doubt one is anxious to get on to new 
movements, but every movement must be 
carried out without error before proceed- 
ing to the next. Two movements carried 
out without hitch or flaw do more to ad- 
vance the squads in drill than several 
scamped. The two inclines from fours to 
bring a platoon into line almost always 
cause difficulty, and if this cannot be ac- 
complished, the squads must be sent off 
to resume squad drill until this particu- 
lar manoeuver can be performed efficiently. 
If there are not enough officers, squad 
instructors act as platoon commanders — 
in fact, it is really better to keep them 
with their squads, with the men they 
know. Assistant squad instructors or se- 
lected privates can be told off as platoon 
sergeants and section commanders. If the 
squad has not had very much platoon drill 
or is small in numbers, it is better not 
to divide it into sections, or only into 
two sections. 



50 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

Special attention at the outset must be 
given to the correct positions of all ranks. 

6. ROUTE MARCH 

This, with recruits, is much more than 
a mere exercise in marching. It is an op- 
portunity to put into practice all the rules 
of marching and march discipline (see 
Lecture No. 29). The whole of every 
Wednesday was given up to it. Except 
in winter time a visit was paid to the 
swimming baths for one hour on the way 
home. Here inter-squad team races and 
such-like were arranged, and the whole 
thing was very much appreciated by the 
recruits. Arrangements can easily be 
made with the municipal authorities to 
admit soldiers to the baths at a greatly re- 
duced rate, especially on a week-day after- 
noon. From 10 to 15 miles was the aver- 
age length of the march. IMarch off with, 
say, the third senior squad at the head of 
the column, thus sandwiching the latest 
joined people between the more senior 
squads. 



THE DAY'S WORK 51 

Careful instructions must be issued to 
squad instructors and non-commissioned 
officers (to whom a route march is no light 
task) as to: — 

Maintaining step. 

Maintaining correct distances. 

Covering. 

Keeping in to right of road (change the 
right-hand man in turn). 

Organizing singing. (Every corps has 
its own chorus songs, and these 
should be encouraged. Forbid pro- 
miscuous whistling and singing; 
only a well-trained company, for in- 
stance, can march correctly in step 
to ragtime music. Recruits must 
be encouraged to sing — they are 
nervous about it at first.) 

Rate of marching uniform (this is where 
the advantage of practising march- 
ing with a drum is felt). 

No cigarette smoking. 

Proper halt discipline. 

A well-trained battalion goes for a route 
march, and in a few seconds settles down 
to its stride quite comfortably; but a re- 



52 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

cruit route march is a very different story. 
All instructors must be on the qui vive the 
whole time for the training to be of any 
real benefit to the men. Here, again, the 
repute of the regiment has to be consid- 
ered. Onlookers are not necessarily aware 
that the men are all newly joined. 

Whenever convenient, on the first part 
of the march (before lunch) send the 1st, 
2nd, or 3rd squads off as an advance guard 
(No. 11), making the point, flankers, and 
support extend wdienever crossing open 
country. Seize an opportunity of halting 
on high ground, in order that the remain- 
der may get a bird's-eye view of an ad- 
vance guard extended. 

7. THE ATTACK DRILL 

Of course, onl^^ taken after extended or- 
der drill is thoroughly known. Take four 
most advanced squads (telling each squad 
off into two sections), i.e., to represent a 
company of four platoons. Name objec- 
tive. Advance the squads in artillery 
(diamond or square) formation for a time. 



THE DAY'S WORK 53 

Then leading squad becomes firing line 
and extends, advancing two or three times 
by sections. Second squad extends and 
reinforces first. Reorganize into four sec- 
tions — this reorganization to be done 
slowly, accurately and carefully (i.e., into 
four more or less equal sections, not as it 
is carried out in actual attack, where it is 
more important to get reorganized and 
get on quickly than to get mathematically 
equal sections). The remaining two 
squads act as supports, reserves being im- 
aginary. Two support squads then de- 
ploy. Firing line advances by section 
rushes as near as may be to objective. 
Here reinforced successively by last two 
squads, great care being paid to the reor- 
ganization each time. Test this reorgan- 
ization by making each (new) section 
(e.g.. Corporal X's section, Sergeant Y's 
section) rise in turn to see if there are any 
men not included in sections ; do this after 
every reinforcement. It may be explained 
to the men that this is where the all-im- 
portant struggle for fire superiority takes 
place. Then advance by rapid double sec- 



54 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

tion rushes to the position from where as- 
sault will be launched ; and, only to please 
the men and complete the matter, give the 
assault, though this latter has no real 
place in the attack drill. 

Bear in mind the whole time that this is 
a drill — pure drill practice. It is merely 
extended order drill put into the first 
stage of practical exposition. In any rush 
where the men straggle or do not get up 
or down together, they must be brought 
back and made to repeat correctly. Men 
need not know musketry for this, nor need 
they even carry rifles. Fire discipline, 
control, use of cover, etc., are not needed 
at this stage. 

8. PASSING OF MESSAGES IN EXTENDED 
ORDER 

If time, this can be combined with No. 
7 at the last stage prior to the assault. If 
not, get the squad (s) into one extended 
line and send messages from one end to 
the other. Have a non-commissioned offi- 
cer at the other end to w^rite down mes- 



THE DAY'S WORK 55 

sages exactly as received. Extraordinary 
as it may appear, this is most difficult 
Avork, and is never done correctly at the 
first attempt. The messages should be 
shouted in a loud tone, not whispered con- 
fidentially; and they should be sent piece- 
meal, e.g., ''From Lieut. X to Capt. Y. — 
Am hard pressed on ni}^ left flank — can 
you send me two sections to assist?"; or 
a purely general message : ' ' Fix bayonets 
— prepare to charge." If messages arrive 
wrong at the other end, every effort should 
be made to discover the man who caused 
the errors. But it is verj^ difficult to do 
this. 

After the practice, gather the men to- 
gether and read the messages as given by 
the last man to the non-commissioned of- 
ficer, and as delivered to the first man. 
To those w^ho have never done this work it 
is simply amazing how messages -become 
altered, distorted, reversed in meaning, 
and even lost in the proeess of transmis- 
sion. 

A good practice for a wet day is to ar- 
range the men in a circle and pass mes- 



56 RAPID TRAIXIXG OF RECRUITS 

sages, not shouted, but whispered from 
man to man. If mistakes occur, by going 
over the messages piece by piece, and mak- 
ing men who received and passed on cor- 
rectly each piece hold up their hands, it 
is sometimes possible to trace the delin- 
quent. 

Another method of discovering weaker 
brethren in this matter is as follows: — 
Divide your party into as many small sec- 
tions as there are non-commissioned offi- 
cers; summon the latter and make them 
write down a message of from 20 to 30 
words; let these sections be marched off 
by the non-commissioned officers some 50 
yards from each other ; go yourself to some 
central position ; the non-commissioned of- 
ficers call out a man from their squads, 
out of earshot of the others, and give him 
the message to be delivered to yourself; 
the man then comes to jon and repeats 
the message — and so on, man by man, 
from each squad, squads working at the 
same time. Let each man, after deliver- 
ing the message, sit down at ease. After the 



THE DAY'S WORK 57 

first man has arrived, make all the re- 
mainder give their versions of the message 
out loud, so that the others may hear. 
More than one man will doubtless arrive 
at the same time; only one must be per- 
mitted to come near to give the message, 
the others being kept out of earshot by 
sentries. As each man delivers the mes- 
sage, classify his rendering in some such 
way as the following: — 

(a) Quite accurate — practically word 
for word. 

(b) A good paraphrase, names, etc., 
correct, and the gist of the mes- 
sage delivered. 

(c) A fair rendering, with one or two 
minor errors, e.g., 100 yards be- 
ing given as "a short distance 
away" (i.e., supposing this para- 
phrase quoted did not involve a 
vital error). 

(d) One bad mistake in an important 
detail. 

(e) Two or more mistakes in an im- 
portant detail. 



58 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

(f) Message practically valueless. 

(g) Distorted beyond all recognition. 
You will find that the bulk come under 

(b), (c), (d), or (e). 
A few sample messages are appended : — 

1. From Officer Commanding "D" 
Co., to Captain Malcolm: 

^'When we reach next hedge fire 
will be opened at the near right cor- 
ner of haystack in next field. Take 
signal from me." 

2. From Lieut. Jones to Capt. 
Smith : 

''Am hard pressed on my left flank. 
Can you send me a platoon with am- 
muntion?" 

3. From Capt. Atkins to Lieut. 
Brown : 

''Am going to advance to next 
ridge. Please provide covering fire." 

4. From Officer Commanding 2nd 
West Kents to Officer Commanding 
Artillery : 

"Much troubled by enemy gims 
firing from point 150 yards North- 
East of Z in CADORZE." 



THE DAY'S WORK 59 

9. THE ATTACK — SIMPLE SCHEME 

This must not be attempted until the 
men are sufficiently advanced in musketry. 

Fix your objective and place a few men 
to represent the enemy. This placing of 
an enemy has a great effect on the men's 
keenness and interest, and it applies 
equally to advance and rear guards and 
outposts (especially at night). Then 
carry on as in the drill practice (No. 7), 
with the exception that halts should be 
regulated with regard to cover from artil- 
lery and rifle fire; fire positions should be 
taken up, bearing in mind the question of 
cover and good positions, with clear field 
of fire ; fire orders, discipline, direction 
and control; target description; ammuni- 
tion not to be wasted (tell instructor to 
keep count of the number of rounds fired 
by the section) ; uses of our own artillery; 
reorganization — men to be attached or at- 
tach themselves to nearest non-commis- 
sioned officer in order to form an effective 
unit ; passing of messages, especially fire 
orders; always give range to and take am- 



60 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

munition from reinforcements ; short rush- 
es ; covering fire; assault (shoulder to 
shoulder) ; pursuit (by fire only as a 
rule) ; reorganization after assault. 

After doing this once, it is a good plan 
to attack back again over the same ground, 
as it gives the men an idea of the ground, 
coming from the other direction. 

10. GUARDS xVND OTHER DUTIES — MOUNTING 
GUARD DUTIES 

Tell off the men into various imaginaiy 
guards, piquets, fire pai-ty, etc., and have 
a parade similar to the usual battalion 
daily parade of duties. Go through the 
usual routine — opening of ranks, dressing, 
inspection (of men and arms), and march- 
ing off to posts — with the adjutant, bat- 
talion sergeant-major, company 1st ser- 
geants, etc., on parade. This is very use- 
ful practice, and recruits are anxious to 
pick up the detail of a parade with which 
they will become more familiar when with 
the battalion. 



THE DAY'S WORK 61 

Then post a guard with imaginary 
guardroom, and with sentries out, etc., 
and practise the change of guards. Com- 
pliments — presenting arms, at ease ; new 
guard sold off; first relief sent out .(re- 
lief — halt ; sentries — pass ; relief, quick 
— march) ; reliefs return; new guard com- 
mander takes over old guard march off, 
new guard presenting, old guard, eyes — 
right ; orders read to new guard, who are 
dismissed to guard-room; old guard march 
to quarters. 

Run through again the points dealt with 
in the lecture on ''Guards" (No. 43). 

11, 12, and 13. advance^ flank and rear 

GUARDS 

If possible, opportunity should always 
be taken of practising these guards on the 
occasion of the weekly route march, pro- 
vided the route takes in plenty of open 
country. 

After the lecture on these subjects re- 
cruits should be ready to take up any of 



•02 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

these guards, and all the points are con- 
sidered under the lectures. 

14. OUTPOST DRILL 

Here, as in the attack drill, disregard 
features of the country, and have the work 
carried out merely as a preliminary train- 
ing to get recruits accustomed to the rou- 
tine. 

Imagine the supports — simply divide up 
the frontage into as many piquets as there 
are squads; or, vice versa, have as much 
frontage as is required to occupy the whole 
of the men. Summon the squad com- 
manders and explain exactly that each 
piquet is to supply: — 
Sentry over piquet 1 with reliefs, changing 
Two sentry groups j every ten minutes ; 
Detached post (very rare — only one — but 

recruits should be made aware of it) ; 

Patrols — reconnoitring and standing; 

IMessengers. 

-r^ ,.1 Cook, or man in charge of ra- 
Domestics i .- i . • v . 

J tions, latrnie diggers, etc. 

Once these have been posted, after vis- 
iting all piquets and satisfying yourself 



THE DAY'S WORK 65 

that all know their duties and posi- 
tions of other sentries, piquets, supports, 
etc., conclude the drill, as, there being no 
scheme, there is no point in proceeding. 
Recapitulate points dealt with in the lec- 
tures (Nos. 45 and 46), and see that they 
are known by the men. 

15. OUTPOSTS SIMPLE SCHEME 

Detail one squad to act as an enemy and 
try to break through the line. Explain 
to the commander of this squad, by refer- 
ence to a map or otherwise, very clearly 
the extent of the country covered by the 
outpost line. Advance in fours towards 
the position ; send out screen of scouts ; 
go with squad instructors and view 
ground; decide number and position of 
piquets and line of trenches (oblique, 
covering and supporting fire), the line to 
conform with the general outpost line; 
arrange as to standing patrols, if any 
required ; explain that there are imaginary 
outpost companies on either flank, and 
what is to be done if attacked ; probable 



64 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

direction of enemy and where company 
headquarters are situated. Squad com- 
manders to take squads to position; place 
the sentry groups as necessary; tell off 
and send out patrols and messengers; get 
into touch as quickly as possible with 
neighboring piquets ; report when all are 
in position, and any other news of im- 
portance to company headquarters, con- 
stant touch to be kept with the latter ; plan 
kitchen, or food store if no cooking, and 
latrine ; give any orders re fires, smoking, 
etc., obtained from the outpost com- 
mander. When piquets are posted, with- 
draw the screen of scouts and form them 
into supports, whose position should be 
known to all ; challenging ; explain many 
alterations necessary to the scheme at' night 
time. 

Tr}^ and arrange for every man to be 
doing something, and obviate men stand- 
ing about idle. 

Have a ^'pow-wow" with all present 
after the enemy squad has made the at- 
tack; ask each squad commander in turn 
if he has any observations to offer. 



THE DAY'S WORK 65 

16. BAYONET FIGHTING 

Carried out by the Physical Training 
Instructor. Requires some apparatus, 
which, however, can be easily and economi- 
cally provided. 

This is a very essential part of the train- 
ing, and must be begun, at any rate, w^ith 
men in the recruit stage. 

17. " SILENT ^^ DRILL 

This is done in the daytime merely as a 
preparation for night work. There is no 
other point in carrying it out in the light. 

Any drill can be given "silently" — it is 
by no means necessary to confine it to 
company drill ; and where there are jun- 
ior squads included, it is quite sufficient 
to perform such simple evolutions as 
forming a column of squads from column 
of fours, forming close column of squads 
at the halt, and elementary extended or- 
der movements. 

The procedure is as follows: — No words 
of command are shouted, but are passed 



6G RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

down from squad commander to squad 
commander. The whole of the work is 
done from one or the other flank, usually 
the right. Squad' commanders are two 
paces on the right of their right guides, 
the company commander on. the right, 
where he can best exercise supervision. 
This method of working by the right gives 
complete control, provided men conscien- 
tiously keep by the right the whole time. 
For example, for mere practice purposes, 
it does not matter a great deal whether 
your squads march (in the dark, of 
course) (in column or close column) abso- 
lutely parallel with one another or not, 
provided you have complete grip of the 
whole on the right through your squad 
commanders. 

The company commander and each 
squad commander has a messenger. The 
company commander gives his order in a 
low tone to the leading squad commander 
(no whispering; it produces (especially 
with sibilants) tense nervous feeling in 
all ranks, and is bad for morale). The 
squad commander immediately sends the 



THE DAY'S WORK 67 

order by his messenger to the second squad 
commander, and gives it to his right guide 
and to No. 1 in his rear rank, who pass it 
along their ranks. In this waj^ the order 
is conveyed to the whole company. The 
first duty of the squad commander is to 
send the order to the next squad com- 
mander before transmitting it to his own 
men ; otherwise there is delay. Wlien the 
order reaches the last squad commander, 
the company commander's messenger, who 
proceeds to the last squad when any com- 
mand is given, reports at once to the com- 
pany commander who remains with the 1st 
squad, ''Order received." The company 
commander then says to the leading squad 
commander, ''Move," upon which the 
movement takes place. Men simply con- 
form to one another's movements when 
they hear the movements beginning to take 
place. When advancing in column each 
squad, except the last, should drop a file 
— two connecting men — to maintain con- 
nection and proper distance between the 
squads; these are recalled when in fours 
or close column. When advancing in open 



G8 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

order they are also necessary. Their num- 
ber must be increased as required. This 
"silent" drill is, of course, unreal to a 
degree when practised in the light, but it 
must be practised then in order to be ready 
for the night work. All effort must be 
made to assume darkness, and, if the com- 
mand "Halt" is given, check any ten- 
dency on the part of instructors to hold 
up their hands, or any other similar meth- 
ods, which would be perfectly useless at 
night. 

Extended order work by means of silent 
commands, passed as messages, requires a 
great deal of practice, but it is excellent 
training. 

18. NIGHT WORK 

This was carried out one evening weekly 
(Thursday). Time of parade must be 
made to fit in with the season — in the win- 
ter, of course, it can eas.ily commence as 
early as 5 p.m. or 4.30. Two hours is suf- 
ficient for recruits. Full explanation 
must be given of all that is to be at- 
tempted. 



THE DAY'S WORK 69 

The following are the exercises carried 
out in the writer's battalion, beginning 
with the most elementary; and. nightly 
programmes of work can be made by se- 
lection from these : — 

Object. 

To accustom men to move collectively 
and individually in the dark, without 
noise and without losing direction and for- 
mation. 

Points. 

(a) Always explain most full}^ the pro- 
gramme each evening, stating what is to 
be done, the difficulties, the uses of the 
various movements. 

(b) The work must be taken seriously; 
be extremely severe with any frivolity. 

(c) No smoking; no talking even w4ien 
marching "at ease." 

(d) Break step — it makes less noise. 

(e) Men to try and increase powder of 
vision and hearing at night. Great im- 
provement can always be effected. 



70 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

(f) At first, company commander must 
shout commands with recruits, but aim 
at getting everything done without noise 
as soon as possible. 

(1) March on to ground (the ordinary 
park parade ground was used at 
first) in column of fours — form up 
in line. Men sent out 10, 20, 30, 
40, 50, 100, and 200 paces in front ; 
each man, on sound of whistle, to 
strike match, kneel, and lie down, 
remaining lying ; then to be brought 
back one by one, on sound of whis- 
tle, and try to get in unobserved, 
but march straight back to com- 
pany. 

(2) ]\lareh in column of fours along 
path and on grass, in and out of 
step, practising rules as to placing 
feet in long and short grass and 
not so practising; half the squads 
to do this at a time, the remainder 
observing. 

(3) Dismiss and fall in on sounding of 
whistle, one blast for the right 
guides to report to company ser- 



THE DAY'S WORK 71 

geant-major, and two blasts for the 
men to fall in. Fall in in usual or- 
der, then squads arranged in differ- 
ent order. AVhole purpose to fall 
in quietly. 

(4) Drill. — Go to end of ground in col- 
umn of fours; return in column of 
squads; close to close column — and 
other movements — shouted ; then 
'^silently." 

(5) Form up in column of squads; send 
right markers to a point (tree, etc.) 
400 to 500 yards away; then send 
men, man by man, from each squad 
(squads working together) to get to 
tree and fall in in his proper place. 

(6) As No. (5), but squads working sep- 
arately. Each squad commander to 
select a point and explain thor- 
oughly to his men where his guide 
has been sent (increase in difficulty, 
e.g., ''50 paces towards large pop- 
lar tree ; then make for small bush 
half-left ; then, 100 paces towards 
small hut, will be found the right 
guide") ; then men to go, man by 



73 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

man, to try and find guide. Insist 
on men being sufficiently far apart 
not to be led by one another. If 
it takes too long, men must be sent 
in couples. Officers go on roving 
commission and ask men they meet 
where they are going, how many 
paces they have already counted, 
etc. Very useful practice — its 
value is found when messengers 
have to go from one piquet to an- 
other in the dark on outpost work. 

(7) Obstacles. — Getting over fences, 
etc., last man to pass word "All 
over," then go on. 

(8) Repeat the dismiss and fall in prac- 
tice with variations, giving time for 
parade, etc. Squad commanders 
set watches. 

(9) Extended order drill. Work very 
slowly. 

(10) Send squad by squad forward in 
extended order, with orders to close 
on a certain spot. Advance one 
squad towards another so that they 
meet half-wav. 



THE DAY'S WORK 73 

(11) Danger of skyline — practise over 
hill in extended order, to prove this 
to men. 

(12) Practise handling rifles (pulling 
back bolts, shutting, etc.), also re- 
moving and taking off equipment — 
men marching with water bottles 
half full; march in fours in full 
marching order, with as little noise 
as possible. 

(13) Putting on and taking off 'equip- 
ment ; men must be trained to do 
this in the same way every time, so 
that it becomes a routine matter. 

(14) Use of background — lie down if 
none; prove by experiment. 

(15) Aural training — stand on soft 
ground, lie on hard; practise. 

(16) Orientation — moon; take men over 
ground in light, so that they recog- 
nize trees and other objects and so 
find way in dark. 

(17) Elementary night outpost scheme — 
carry on from the day scheme, if 
possible. 



74 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

(18) Night operations (see lecture No. 
50) — position of assembly, of de- 
ployment, etc. Useful practice is 
to march right across some open 
country, as, e.g., Hampstead Heath, 
in extended order. 

(19) Digging at nighti — after done by 
day — most important. 

Squad commanders should wear some 
distinguishing mark, as white handker- 
chief, round right arm. 

19. DISTANCE JUDGING 

This can very well be done as an after- 
noon 's work, apart from its inclusion in 
the musketry course proper. 

Take 12 selected men to the ground be- 
fore the squads arrive there. Post Nos. 
1 to 6 lying down at the following dis- 
tances from which the company will be 
standing in line :— 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 
and 600 yards. Instruct them that on the 
sounding of the number of blasts of a 
whistle corresponding with their own num- 



THE DAY'S WORK 75 

bers (1 to 6) they are to rise, " 'shun," 
slope arms, order arms, standing fire, 
kneeling fire, and lying fire, and remain 
lying. 

• Then place Nos. 7 to 12, lying at six se- 
lected distances (e.g., 150, 250, 400, 550, 
650, and 800 yards), with similar instruc- 
tions as to rising, etc., on whistle blasts. 
Place these men by means of a piece of 
string carefully measured to 100 yards or 
50 yards. Most men can pace out 100 
yards within a couple of yards or so, but 
the other is much more convincing to re- 
cruits, and is no more trouble. 

When the squads arrive, call up the first 
six men (explaining what is being done), 
tell the men their distances. Whistle up 
the second six. Make each man write 
down on a piece of paper or give to his 
squad commander (divide up into small 
sections to save time) his estimate. Col- 
lect the papers; work out squad averages, 
or have this done by squad commanders, 
tabulating the results of squads in order 
of merit ; and announce the results later, 
if necessary. The spirit of competition — 



76 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

always to be stimulated whenever practi- 
cable — enters into this work. 

Explain the various methods of esti- 
mating distances given in the musketry 
manuals; the causes of over- and under- 
estimation; ^'bracketing" — the method of 
estimating by aligning a pencil on an ob- 
ject, shutting one eye, then the other, esti- 
mating the interval that the pencil "trav- 
els," which is anything from one-tenth to 
one-thirteenth of the distance to the object 
(differs with individuals). 

Other exercises are : — 

(a) IMeasure distances between trees and 
other objects wdth the string and ask 
men to judge. 

(b) Get company in line and march 
them 100 yards with the string. 
Halt, and order them to march an- 
other 250 yards, each man halting 
when he thinks he has marched that 
distance. Then measure the 250 
yards accurately and see what men 
are nearest. 

Everyone should be able to estimate 100 
yards to within a few feet. 



THE DAY'S WORK 77 

20. VISUAL TRAINING 

Again, this is a most useful half an 
hour's work on an afternoon when, say, no 
lecture can be given. Let the men sit 
tasy. Try elementary target description 
^explain the clock-face method (not the 
/)nly method of description, however). 
Utilize anything that cames to hand. Get 
the men facing you. You see a company 
passing some distance aAvay. Say, ''About 
Face; count the number of men in that 
party" (utilize the Field Service Pocket 
Book method, if possible, or let them try 
and count the numbers of fours). After 
30 seconds, "About Face." "How many 
men?" Similarly with a flock of sheep, 
or cattle, or workmen, or school children, 
or trees, or palings. "Can any man ob- 
serve any movement in that field?" Get 
the men's ideas as to the sizes of things, 
heights of trees, etc. There are ways in- 
numerable of practising this sort of thing. 
Kipling's "Kim" will suggest many. 

If you have time beforehand, take out 
half a dozen men and conceal them in 



78 RAPID T.RAINIXG OF RECRUITS 

dead ground, behind trees, bushes, etc. 
Take the squad and ask them how many 
men fhey can see. Then make your hid- 
den people appear one by one by means of 
a whistle. It is astonishing how close men 
may be hidden and not be perceived. This 
opportunity may be seized of explaining 
much as to uses of cover, dead ground, etc. 

I 

21. SEMAPHORE SIGNALLING 

It is an erroneous idea that this is not 
used at the front; and an odd half-hour 
now and then is not wasted in teaching 
how to send (no flags required). 

Suggest that the best and easiest way to 
learn how to read is to buy a pack of sig- 
nalling cards, turning them over occasion- 
ally in spare time. But if there is time 
to make any progress at all, practice may 
be given in sending and receiving. 

22. TRENCH DIGGING 

If the use of ground and tools can be 
•obtained — and thev usuallv can — and if 



THE DAY'S WORK 



79' 



there is time (it is quite possible there may 
not be), one or two very useful days can 
be put in on elementary trench, digging. 

If possible, visit the site beforehand, 
and knowing the number of men at your 
disposal, make complete plans of exactly 
what is to be attempted, so that trenches 
are sited correctly. 

Ideas differ considerably as to types ot 
fire trenches, and it is impossible to con- 
struct a trench that would please all ; but 
the following notes describe a trench that 
is much used, and is not very much open 
to criticism: — . 

Make the section a unit for digging (the 
section is indeed a unit for most military 
purposes) ; dimensions 5 feet deep, 2 teet 
wide 18 to 20 feet long, but traversed mta 
three connected parts; earth heaped be- 
hind (parados, no parapet) ; revetted (to 
prevent sides falling in) by means ot 
wood, turf, sandbags, corrugated iron, etc. -, 
irregular line; field of fire (50 to 100 or 
900 yards now considered ample) ; com- 
munication trenches (6 feet deep, 2 feet 
wide to zig-zag back to shelter trenches 



80 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

(one communication trench and one shel- 
ter sufficient) ; shelter trench with over- 
head cover formed by placing wood with 
earth heaped on it — dugout for company 
headquarters, 8 feet by 8 feet by 8 feet; 
long shelter trenches, 6 feet deep by 4 feet 
wide; drainage — sump holes (filled witli 
stones), drain at bottom of trenches; funk 
holes (shelter against shrapnel in fire 
trenches shored up); latrines; no ''re- 
liefs" — all men work all the time. 

Construct one or two ' ' island ' ' traverses, 
which are much favored in some quarters. 
Battalion ideas must be consulted as to 
trenches — some insist on a parapet ; trench- 
es are then only 31/2 feet to 4i/2 feet deep, 
with parapet of 1 foot high and 4 to 5 
feet long in front; subsequently, if time, 
deepen the trench to 5 or 51/2 feet, and 
widen to 3 feet, with a step (fire platform) 
from which to fire. 

No attempt can be made at second line 
trenches, or further support trenches. It 
will probably be sufficient to get a first 
line fire trench as described. 



2 
< 



o 

D 
O 

a, 




n\ 



83 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

Digging at Night (Part of Night Work). 
— It is a good plan to endeavor to length- 
en or improve trenches dug in the day- 
time. Great care should be taken to avoid 
accidents. No noise. 

Recruits should also be trained in the 
use of the entrenching tool, and trenches 
could be commenced with this implement ; 
each man to throw up cover or dig rifle 
pits. Subsequently use the tools — this is 
not foreign to active service conditions. 

23. MUSKETRY 

AND 

24. MAP READING AND FIELD SKETCHING 

In mast battalions these subjects are, 
\nost wisely, left to specialist officers (men 
who have been through the special courses, 
e.g., in musketry at Fort Sill, Okla.). In 
the writer's battalion these branches of 
work were commenced in the second or 
third weeks. 

The most outstanding advantage of the 
varied nature of the programme arranged 
for recruits is that men come — after a 



THE DAY'S WORK 83 

morning's musketry or map reading — on 
to parade in the afternoon keen for out- 
door drill, and it is possible to keep at it 
and get good work done without the con- 
tinual '' stand-easy 's" and "break-offs" 
inseparable from a whole day's (of from 
five to six hours') squad drill and extended 
order. 

It is not proposed (or possible) to give 
any detail as to these two subjects here. 
If there are no officers especially devoted 
to these branches, progressive schemes can 
easily be arranged by those who are ac- 
quainted with the subjects, by reference 
to the Musketry Regulations and the other 
many books on shooting, and to the official 
manual on "Map Reading and Field 
Sketching." 

Both these subjects are of the highest 
importance, and can with the greatest ad- 
vantage be commenced during the early 
stages of recruit training. 

25. BOMBING INSTRUCTION 

This instruction should not be under- 
taken until the men are well advanced in 



84 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

training. A whole week should be de- 
voted solely to this work. A platoon 
may be taken at a time and a commis- 
sioned officer should be in charge. The 
work may be laid out as follows: — From 
nine to eleven should be devoted to con- 
ference — from eleven to twelve to throw- 
ing exercises — insist upon the overhand 
throw — howitzer movement — explain it is 
not range that is wanted at first but ac- 
curacy and a much greater accuracy can 
be obtained by the overhand throw. In 
the afternoon from one to two-thirty 
should be devoted to conference and from 
two-thirty to four-thirty to practical 
work; — making dummy bombs, trench 
work, as construction of bomb depots, etc., 
and more throwing exercises. The officer 
should use his discretion in conferences. 
The first conferences should be devoted to 
explosives in general, it will be found to be 
an easy matter to arouse men's interest 
in this work. The general types of bombs 
in use should next be taken up and their 
mechanism thoroughly explained, after 
which the tactical part a bomber plays in 



THE DAY'S WORK 85 

attack is thoroughly explained. Thurs- 
day and Friday nights should be devoted 
to night work with live bombs. 

B. — Lectures — Outdoor or Indoor. 

N.B. — It should always he arranged to 
give the lecture on any hranch of practical 
work (see Part A) before that work is 
taken. This must he home in mind ivhen 
arranging the weekly programme. The 
lectures need not he given in the order in 
which they are arranged, as they are not 
— or are very little — progressive. 



LECTURES 

Points or "heads" are given here as an 
aid to those who have to speak on the vari- 
ous subjects. It is hoped that these notes 
will prove a help in the delivery of these 
discourses. As they stand, they have 
served this purpose many times success- 
fully in the past. They are merely 
"notes," and are reproduced in the ab- 



86 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

breviated form in which they were com- 
piled. In some instances there is a little 
repetition and overlapping, e.g., certain 
points are dealt with under ''Entrench- 
ments ' ' which are also treated under ' ' Mis- 
cellaneous Matters"; but this onh^ occurs 
in some important matters which can bear, 
and, indeed, deserve, being dealt with more 
than once. 

26. HISTORY OF OUR ARMY 

Recruits always display more than usual 
interest in this subject, which should be 
taken early. In the cases of well-known 
Regular regiments it is perfectly easy to 
arouse enthusiasm in their past doings and 
their present endeavors. The part played 
by them in the present campaigns must be 
dealt with as fully as possible. 

There cannot of necessity be very much 
''history" attached to the new army, but 
it would not be difficult to make their ac- 
tivities during the past year or so the sub- 
ject of half an hour's talk. 

All that is possible should be done to 



THE DAY'S WORK 87 

make men interested and proud in the 
achievements of their own corps. 

27. DRILL 

Its uses; reasons for it; merely futile 
nnless everything absolutely smart; never 
relax strict"^ ''attention" for a second; ab- 
solutely still on parade— movements al- 
ways detected; no amount of intelligence 
compensates a badly-drilled battalion ; 
Boers splendid fighters, but had not the 
advantage of drill and discipline— regard 
their splendid successes since they have 
had these ; turns a mob into an army ; men 
partly lose individuality and become com- 
ponent parts of a machine, but it is a ma- 
chine that is wanted; compare with ex- 
tended order work; makes obedience to 
orders an instinct; improves physique; 
well-drilled soldier always marches, even 
off duty, never strolls or slouches; every- 
thing to be done in orderly manner in 
crisis, must be drilled, e.g., ambulance 
drill, fire drill in hospitals and institutions, 
boat' drill on liners— otherwise confusion 



88 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

and danger ; most important thing soldiers 
taught; whatever else officer knows, he 
must be able to drill men ; perfectly drilled 
company inspiring sight — in step, arms 
swinging, heads up, etc. ; then run through 
all movements of squad drill with a few 
words of explanation, pointing out diffi- 
culties and pitfalls of each — illustrate by 
having men out ; difference between on and 
off parade. 

28. DISCIPLINE 

Soldierly spirit; first duty of a soldier 
is obedience to commands and all orders at 
all times without hesitation; never argue 
order, ask advice afterwards if think 
wronged; must know battalion daily and 
standing orders ; man who moves after 
command '' 'shun" guilty of not carrying 
out orders ; army cannot do anything with- 
out obedience to orders — applies to all 
from Generals downwards; the oil that 
makes the army wheels go round; can 
only have one in charge ; soldier cannot 
acquire discipline suddenly; result of long 
and careful training; an abstract thing; a 



THE DAY'S WORK 89 

mental outlook towards life; essential for 
safety of all ranks; instance stories from 
present war; "hesitating" to obey an or- 
der a crime ; punishments only exist to 
secure discipline, but many punishments 
show bad discipline; should not be neces- 
sary — esprit de corps; one man disobeys 
orders endangers safety of brigade; griev- 
ances against superior officers ; no " meet- 
ings"; methods of redress; close order 
drill; saluting; attitude to officers; salut- 
ing mutual expression of respect and good 
feeling; however fatigued or exhausted, 
discipline brings instant response to com- 
mands ; church parade — conduct in public ; 
credit of corps — drink; cleanliness — boots, 
buttons ; obey orders of any officer or non- 
commissioned officer ; fire discipline ; never 
fire without orders — fight at Landrecies; 
smartness and zeal for work; make your 
platoon the best in the battalion. 

29. MARCHING AND MARCH DISCIPLINE 

Thirty-inch step ; halts — five minutes 
after first half-hour, 10 minutes per hour 
after; this means little less than three 



90 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

miles per hour; 10 to 20 miles per day; 
rate marching must be uniform — no hurry- 
ing, doubling, or stepping out should be 
necessary ; keep blocked up ; signal to halt 
passed quickly; remove packs if ordered; 
keep right side road; never cross road (left 
side in England) ; never enter shops, etc., 
without permission ; temporary latrine 
spot usually pointed out (flag, etc.) ; no 
indiscriminate relieving ; men learn to wait 
for halt, not fall out; if fall out, non-com- 
missioned officer to accompany; care of 
feet; socks and boots must fit; vaseline 
(soldier's great friend) ; boracic powder; 
soap socks — change feet on which socks 
worn — dry feet after daily washing — 
bathe in Condy's or disinfectant — blisters 
to Medical Officer if bad; otherwise prick 
with clean needle (burnt in flame), and 
boracic powder or ointment — clean rag; 
water-bottles — water only — don 't drink 
till midday meal, then a pint; keep scrupu- 
lously clean; must be filled on starting; 
don't refill bottle unless water approved 
(not not disapproved) — don't waste water 
when filling, e.g., if pump, don't try to 



THE DAY'S WORK 91 

pump into bottle, but fill buckets, other- 
wise waste ; don 't fall out without officer 's. 
permission; keep in to left; never more 
than four abreast (most important) ; left- 
hand man in ^tter — change left-hand 
man at every halt; all officers, non-com- 
missioned officers in proper place; proper 
distances between units (companies 10' 
yards, battalions 20 yards, but this in- 
cludes space occupied by horses) ; dress 
fours ; cover off front to rear ; no cigarette 
smoking at any time; whistling, singing 
helps along, but properly organized; no 
ragtime (spoils step) — choruses — singing 
by squads — no singing against one an- 
other; no hymn tunes, National Anthem, 
Dead March (blasphemy) or regimental 
march; step — if cannot get detachment 
step, at least secure a squad step; instruc- 
tors pay very careful attention to step ; 
no falling out without excellent reason; 
squad's competition; point of honor not 
to relinquish rifle, unless really unfit to 
carry it. 

Fro7n the Front. — Subject highest im- 
portance; no straggling; no halt in vil- 



92 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

lage ; officer with small party in rear col- 
lects stragglers and men leaving ranks for 
drinks, go in shops, etc., water; sick fall 
out on right side (France), await ambu- 
lance; ambulance pulls out of column and 
rejoins at rear of any unit; guns, wagons 
falling out not pass up to right place, but 
behind any unit; Medical Officer in rear; 
if going to billet, don't halt in road, but 
any convenient place near. 

30. A day's life at camp 

Camp life generally; arrangement of 
camp ; officers ' lines ; orderly tent ; guard 
tent; canteens (wet, dry) ; quartermaster's 
stores ; kitchen ; drying place ; ablution 
place (use of — sentries); parade ground; 
lines and interior tents left clean ; comfort 
in tents — ' ' tips ' ' ; refuse — classification ; 
pig-wash, ashes, broken bottles — incinera- 
tor — grease, soapy water; battalion ser- 
geant-major, company first sergeants, in- 
lying piquets, fire party, regimental police ; 
the day's work — routine; reveille, sick par- 
ade, physical drill (after coffee and bis- 



THE DAY'S WORK 



93 



cuits), mess and tent orderlies, blankets 
rolled and stacked (uniformity of arrange- 
ment), refuse sacks, sanitation ; meals (two 
bugle calls— one for orderlies, one for 
men) ;* duties of guards, piquets, duties 
parade; preparation for parade— buttons, 
boots, badges, rifles, tents tidy, ' long 
dress," ''short dress," private parade; 
don't drink beer midday or after, parade, 
not until evening; recreations; Y.M.C.A. 
tent; Retreat; go out properly dressed— 
behavior in town; Tattoo— all men m tents 
unless special pass— orders read (silence) ; 
Taps Lights Out— keep warm at night ; kit 
required at camp ; social life ; other camps 
in brigade ; hospital ; Army Service Corps ; 
bivouacs ; billets ; passes— routine ; wet 
weather ; trenches round tents (not unless 
orders) ; endeavor to enjoy life— open air 
—advantages of camp life. 

31. ''tips" for soldiers 

Digging, entrenching tools; spade and 
pick; how to work— avoid accidents- 
economize exertions— earth must be 3 to 5 



94 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

feet to stop bullets; sentries — see, not seen 
■ — sleep on duty capital offence — nerves — 
fancies — challenging, method — conduct on 
active service — looting — behavior towards 
women ; discipline — saluting officers ' 
badges — military police in streets, rail- 
way stations, etc. ; keep fit — disease — en- 
teric inoculation ; sanitation ; wet clothes 
— keep warm ; clothing ; frostbite ; emer- 
gency ration; field dressing — use of — stop 
bleeding; wounds; wounded in stomach — 
throw away water bottle, don't drink or 
eat, best have empty stomach, lie on back; 
wounded in lungs — lie on stomach to pre- 
vent choking; initiative — think for your- 
self — emergencies ; rifles — care of — best 
friend ; barrel oily unless about to be used 
— careful re use of gauze — regulation flan- 
nelette ; shooting — a personal matter — pa- 
tient instructors required ; persevere to be 
good shot ; understand rifle and its mech- 
anism; fire discipline and control; rapid 
fire ; don 't wait too long before squeezing 
the trigger — aim when "on"; danger to 
friends — never point rifle at any one ; muz- 
zle in air; aimed shots only; scouting — 



THE DAY'S WORK 95 

dust, different sorts caused by different 
classes of soldiers — cavalry, artillery, etc.; 
messages; reports; compass; maps; orien- 
tation; 200 infantry, 120 cavalry (walk) 
and five guns (walk) pass one spot in one 
minute ; leave — regulations — furlough — 
railway vouchers (and warrants, differ- 
ence) — illness on leave — apply nearest bar- 
racks, camp, or, in last case, civil doctor; 
fitness — physical training — running ; in- 
fantry in battle — general — extended order 
— place yourself under nearest non-com- 
missioned officer or officer; don't help 
wounded, take ammunition and go on; re- 
inforcements exchange range for rounds. 

32. ATTACK USE OF COVER 

Cover from fire ; cover from view ; must 
be able to fire yourself, at whatever sac- 
rifice ; what is bullet proof ? : steel plates 
(artillery), sand, earth (rifle thick), trees, 
timber (very rarely — may turn a bullet), 
gravel, shingle (1 to 2 feet thick), sand- 
bags, gravel in bags; coal (2 feet thick) ; 
view cover — hedges — fold in ground — 



96 RAPID TRAIXING OF RECRUITS 

make fire positions in good cover, if pos- 
sible — must not be tempted to remain in 
good cover — push on; lie flat; head down; 
crawling (illustrate) ; how to rise (illus- 
trate) ; firing over and round cover (try 
with mirror) ; cover from shells — very 
little except in a hole (trench) — head 
cover — overhead cover; skyline. 

33. THE ATTACK 1. 

The five stages: (i) Advance under ar- 
tillery fire only (diamond or square for- 
mation) ; (ii) advance in section rushes in 
extended order, with covering fire if re- 
quired; (iii) struggle for fire superiority; 
(iv) advance to position from which as- 
sault to be made; (v) assault — pursuit — 
reorganization, (i) Artillery formation — 
scouts out, explain duties and formation; 
artillery formation owing to shrapnel — 
better than extended order, more control 
— how to get into^ — deploy immediately 
under rifle fire or machine gun fire; (ii) 
up and on quickly and together — fire or- 
ders — mutual support^ — by fire — longer 



THE DAY'S WORK 97 

rushes with few men — lines not too rigid 
— ' ' clouds ' ' of skirmishers — reorganize 
into new sections quickly rather than ac- 
curately — whole companies, even batta- 
lions, mixed up, but still controlled — 
rushes not too stereotyped as in attack 
drill — wider extensions mean less fire ef- 
fect, but less casualties; (iii) fire discipline 
and control simply; (iv) shorter rushes, 
but more rushing; (v) steady — combined 
— reorganize at once; last platoon in ad- 
vance to pursue by fire. Uses of fire: — 
To support movement, prepare for assault ; 
artillery support as long as possible ; col- 
lective fire at over 500 yards ' range ; indi- 
vidual targets; never fire without orders, 
especially in early stages ; keep cool if 
charged by enemy; steady fire — rapid fire 
exceptional — in urgent circumstances ; 
economy of ammunition; every shot aimed 
at something, even in rapid ; target de- 
scription (clock face and other methods) 
■ — passing of orders and messages (most 
important) (from and to) — cooperation — 
duties of various commanders. Five grand 
stages of an attack: Cavalry reconnais- 



?)8 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

sance ; light troops driven in ; artillery 
duel; infantry attack (as explained 
above) ; reserves. 

Attack — enveloping, frontal, frontal and 
flank — gain vital point in defence. 

34. THE ATTACK — II. 

Good discipline essential; extended or- 
der ; don 't bunch ; crossing gaps in file — ■ 
obstacles — extended party stopped by ob- 
stacles — divide into two groups and go 
round flanks or double and form up on 
other side — then others come on and join 
their flanks — otherwise stopped party get 
crowded out; passage of woods; first ex- 
tensions; getting through woods, extend 
first line, others in file or fours, close in 
to one another, but get back into old for- 
mation before emerging from wood ; ex- 
tend before breaking cover and go on till 
stopped — gain ground — fire three or four 
rapid w^hen reinforcements arrive in sight ; 
retelling off into new sections very impor- 
tant ; impress this ; in extensions very care- 
ful crossing diagonal paths, hedges, 



THE DAY'S WORK 99 

ditches, etc., almost always lose direction; 
up and down like lightning ; last up is last 
down and gets most fire; never move to 
flank in file unless under cover; messages 
— shout — give names; don't pass on anon- 
ymous messages; practice fixing bayonets 
lying; assault, one man per yard; never 
assault for more than 50 yards, pursuit by 
fire; lie, and rapid; don't pursue with 
bayonet unless specially ordered, owing to 
enemy and our own artillery fire— also at- 
tackers ''blown"; if ordered, pursue, send 
forward scouts and one platoon in ex- 
tended order to resist counter-attack — oth- 
ers re-form behind captured trenches — 
don't waste rounds — remember each man 
only has 150 to 200 rounds, almost impos- 
sible to get up more — soon used; operation, 
orders ; push on with attack, delay means 
artillery get ranges; get fire superiority as 
near as possible to enemy trenches, essen- 
tial, otherwise assault fails; until the 
struggle for fire superiority, never fire ex- 
cept to aid movement or repel sudden at- 
tack — nearer you get, more rushing to- 
gether; this gives confidence, confuses the 



100 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

enemy; the attack is the reason for the 
soldiers' existence, if he fails here no use 
at all. 

35. THE DEFENCE — I. 

Three sorts — active, passive, delaying 
action. Active : to create opportunity for 
offensive and the actual offensive; divide 
your troops accordingly, and considering 
the needs of the case — always on look out 
to attack — strengthen defence so as to re- 
lease men for the coming attack — these 
men are the general reserve ; field of fire 
— ideas altered since the war ; choose posi- 
tion of defence so that attack may be ini- 
tiated. Defence: (i) firing line; (ii) sup- 
ports; (iii) local reserves; can have small 
•battalion reserves if necessary ; job of local 
reserves is to counter-attack, not to rein- 
force firing line (insisted upon time and 
again in present war). Advance posts — 
define — must be supported by fire ; obsta- 
cles; use in this war; think all the time of 
offensive and counter-attack movements — 
hang defence round points of tactical im- 
portance — mutual support^not always 



THE DAY'S WORK 101 

necessary to hold a continuous line if these 
points of importance very strong (in- 
stance from present campaign). Recon- 
noiter and counter-attack frequently — fos- 
ters offensive spirit — bombing parties — cut 
wire, etc., all keeps alive the offensive idea ; 
and exhausts enemy — re-arrange defence 
at night — more continuous line required — 
listening posts — don't have your trenches 
exposed. 

36. THE DEFENCE — II. 

Support trenches — reserve trenches — 
these are not the second line trenches; 
don't confuse; don't hold buildings 
against artillery fire; covering troops; 
uses of cavalry — screen — mislead enemy 
— force early deployment; withdraw in 
time or mask our fire; don't ask for help 
unless essential, as takes away troops from 
the offensive part; during fight for fire su- 
periority counter-attack whenever you can 
— any one in command of local reserves 
can counter-attack, but not against a very 
strong position — counter-attack is to make 
the enemy use more power — counter-charge 



103 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

the assault if possible, but not too soon — 
wait — pour in fire; fire trenches concealed 
(remember aircraft) ; ammunition sup- 
ply; water and food; reconnoiter ground 
before attack — observers. 

Passive defence (forts); never succeed; 
last resource ; if you only want delay bet- 
ter make a demonstration unless very good 
position ; here every one on defensive, as 
no offensive; rear guard action — requires 
much skill, training, and discipline ; de- 
fence of ditches — improve — leave trench 6 
feet deep on enemy's side so that he can- 
not use trench ; defence of house : barri- 
cade doors, windows; remove inhabitants 
and all inflammable material; insert loop- 
holes; clear front; keep supply earth and 
water handy (in case of fire). Enemy 
may attack very quickly at night without 
scouts or advance party — always be ready 
to rapid fire. 

37. THE DEFENCE — III. 

Defence of woods; contrast Avith open 
country; easily surprised; have supports 



THE DAY'S WORK 103 

and reserves in rear of fire trenches 100 
to 200 yards away; have salient redoubts 
(well traversed) here and there in trench 
line for machine gun cross-fire; redoubts 
simply eight trenches as octagon, 20 to 
50 feet in front of line, with zig-zag com- 
munication trenches back to line ; if part 
of line lost, counter-attack — fire from 
communication trenches — bomb-proof dug- 
outs; clear path through a wood to at- 
tract enemy — place machine guns, etc., to 
fire up passages — they can run diagonally ; 
use much barbed wire, 1 to 2 feet above 
ground, firmly, and then trail or hang other 
loose wire around it; entanglements, one 
lot 100 yards in front, and second line 10 
to 20 yards in front of fire trench ; it is 
hard to launch a counter-attack in the 
dark ; searchlights — star shells — remember 
enemy may have no advance party to a 
night attack; place trenches in wood 200 
to 300 yards in the wood ; well obstacled 
with barbed wire, not near roads or paths, 
as these will be shelled; remove trees 
which might be dangerous if felled by 
shells; never site trenches at edere of wood 



104 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

— fatal — shell fire ; if impossible, get field 
of fire by clearing passages, etc. ; site 
trenches behind wood ; construct obstacles 
even before trenches are dug; some au- 
thorities recommend always site trenches 
in front of wood ; have covering troops to 
protect against attack whilst digging; al- 
ways loaded rifles in front when digging 
(very important) — troops very liable to 
surprise attack whilst trenching; can have 
overhead cover to trenches in wood, as not 
seen by hostile aeroplanes, but never to 
open trenches, as form such a mark for 
artillery; hard to get at men sleeping un- 
der the cover; if well obstacled, hard to 
surprise defence by night ; overhead cover 
easily made by covering trench with 
wood, broad boughs of trees, etc., and 
covering with earth 3 to 4 feet thick; but 
get head cover; don't attempt any deci- 
sive counter-attack at night, as you can- 
not see; if enemy well established, attack 
as soon as you can; artillery only used if 
narrow front and limited ground over 
which enemy must come — don 't use search- 
lights too soon, as betray position. 



THE DAY'S WORK 105 

38. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS — I. 

Saluting— smart— as if meant— if no liat 
or tunic, turn head smartly to officer; to 
troops passing, salute Commanding Offi- 
cer and Colors, if carried uncased; or 
quarter-deck of U. S. Ships; don't salute 
with rifle in hand, except in the prescribed 
manner of paying compliments when car- 
rying arms— explain ; sentries— must walk 
up and down smartly, or halt, if tired, face 
front, and stand at ease; stand at port 
arms when addressing an officer or any 
person ; fall in smartly, quietly, rear rank 
cover off, leave blank file (if any) in 
proper place without being told; dismiss, 
saluting together, leaving parade ground 
in quick time, and at the slope ; no litter 
(newspapers, cigarette ends, ^ matches, 
boxes, etc.) on parade ground; if halt for 
lunch on route march, leave halting place 
as clean and tidy as found— detail fatigues 
to collect and destroy (burn) any rubbish; 
funerals— salute— if on march, troops 
come to attention, and if military funeral, 
' ' eyes— right ' ' ; when approach officer, halt 



106 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

two paces from him, salute — don 't take an- 
other pace after saluting, as is so often 
done — salute before withdrawing; all re- 
quests, applications for leave, etc., to be 
made through orderly-sergeant, or, at any 
rate, a non-commissioned officer — never ap- 
proach officer direct; military correspon- 
dence — rudiments; officers' badges; stand 
still on parade; church parade behavior; 
unless under control (as at a regimental 
gathering or on parade), stand at atten- 
tion during the playing of the National 
-Anthem and, if cap on, salute (officer or 
private) and remain at the salute until 
the last note — at theaters, etc.; messages 
— with important messages on field work 
(e.g., outposts) when arriving, shout out 
*' Message for Capt. — "; some one (senior 
private) alwaj^s to be left in charge of any 
party — never leave your command with 
no commander — e.g., a piquet — if com- 
mander must leave, then his deputy as- 
sumes full command until his return; no 
cigarette smoking after physical training; 
cleaning rifles — importance of; range tar- 
gets — how marked; range discipline — very 



THE DAY'S WORK 107 

strict indeed; aircraft — get shelter in 
ditches and hedges — don't look up — aero- 
planes and airships — other rules — don't 
move, but carry on unless ordered to take 
cover — firing at aircraft — fire five times its 
length in front of aeroplane — fire at the 
front of an airship ; never fire at aircraft 
without orders (important) ; the uses of 
aircraft — reconnaissance — bomb dropping ; 
clear path for an aeroplane if you see it 
is descending; sanitation — camp latrines; 
describe different ways a soldier is dressed 
and what equipment he wears; what is 
marching order, field day order, drill or- 
der, fatigue dress, church parade order, 
review order, walking out dress (in war 
time work nearly always done in marching 
order) ; wear caps over eyes, not on back^ 
of head; no handkerchiefs up sleeve if 
they are going to fall out every minute; 
go out properly dressed — overcoats but- 
toned up, no scarves showing, proper boots 
(not brown) ; don't affect to look like an 
officer; arresting men — don't touch man — 
keep clear — get corporal and escort to 
march man to guard room — frame a charge 



108 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

that you know to be a military offence, 
not a hypothetical offence; give men list 
of books on military matters which would 
be useful to them if they are anxious for 
promotion and eager to learn their job 
properly. 



39. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS — II. 

Rations — daily list of allowed by regu- 
lations — explain how issued — how cooked 
— ^liow distributed, etc. ; swagger canes not 
more than 18 inches long; hair always cut 
short — shaving daily; putties — how to put 
on — wind outwards — illustrate ; overcoats 
■ — how to roll — how to fold to go neatly 
into packs — illustrate these^ — only wear 
overcoats when ordered to do so — but- 
toned up to chin ; flies — how to keep away 
— oil — eucalyptus; collars, cuffs, chains, 
etc., not to be visible; flags, emblems, but- 
tons, badges, flowers (except regimentally 
and by order) not allowed; fire orders — 
four things: — Range, Indicate targets. 
Number of rounds, Kind of fire (rapid or 
otherwise ; collective or distributed) ; ra- 



THE DAY'S WORK 109 

pid only before assault or in grave emer- 
gency; go to artillery for ammunition, if 
short; rushes in attack of 50 yards — not 
longer ; artillery formation — important — 
must be assumed quickly; cooperation be- 
tween artillery and infantry; in war aim 
is to kill — use brains — strategy — tactics — 
modern weapons mean smaller commands; 
cavalry — speed, dash — reconnoiter — de- 
struction of railways, telegraphs, etc. ; 
pursuit — cavalry screens ; reconnaissance 
(intelligence, spies, prisoners, scouts) — 
reconnaissance in force; patrols — how to 
return — mark ground ; dust : — infantry 
(low and lasting), cavalry (higher and 
disappearing), guns (a lot and irregu- 
lar) ; convoys — protection — importance ; 
obstacles — not to interfere with counter- 
attack; barricades — inundation; destroy a 
railway line at curved portions; first-aid 
tips — arterial blood red, venous dark — 
tourniquet ; mourning — only worn by offi- 
cers and warrant officers — define warrant 
officers; no compliments on field work 
(outposts, advance guards, etc.) ; trenches 
— concealment — wavy lines — conform to 



110 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

lay of ground — parapets low, if any — cut 
sods from ground not in sight of enemy — 
one trench observed gives away the whole 
show — dummy trenches — trip wires ; fire : 
tactics — reconnaissance; fire — judging dis- 
tance — targets — direction, control — tactics 
— eye for ground — quick decision — direc- 
tion — initiative ; reconnaissance — messages 
— maps — find way by sun and stars — com- 
pass; billets at front — restore discipline — 
care of arms — destroy vermin — repair 
clothes — inspect mess tins — leave billets 
clean ; cooking in mess tins — tips — fires for 
— stew rather than fry; don't walk 
through piled arms — overcoats "ground- 
ed," other battalions' lines or bivouacs — 
attitude towards other troops generally; 
entraining — eight per carriage — no noise 
— heads not out of windows when leaving 
station or entering — entrain and detrain; 
funeral party — drill for— explain; strik- 
ing and putting up tents ; very short time 
for training — enthusiasm and zeal for 
work — men very keen, but much to learn 
in very short time; don't put hands on 
muzzles of rifles or use rifles as props or 



THE DAY'S WORK 111 

sticks; visitors to camps billets, etc. — reg- 
ulations. 



40. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS — III. 

Bugle calls — have a bugler out and run 
through the calls and test men in their 
knowledge ; rifles — mud in trenches — cover 
bolt with wrapper of some sort; muddy- 
ammunition — keep in box and clean — see 
no mud in muzzle before firing — life de- 
pends on rifle; don't remove equipment in 
front trenches — packs and haversacks only 
by order; every one should know where 
headquarters is — but don't have too many 
people always going to headquarters, as 
brings on shells — don't let maps, papers, 
fall into enemy's hands — have a signal for 
enemy aeroplanes; only five rounds in 
magazine, not ten; every one should know 
how to dig at night, trenching behind 
hedges — close to hedge with support 
trenches behind to w^hich to retire if 
shelled ; these may have head cover ; wire 
obstacles 20 yards in front ; not much to be 
feared from high explosive shells if well 



112 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

traversed; always defend a position solely 
with view to enemy's artillery; if spotted 
by hostile aircraft, change your position, if 
possible; ''stand to arms" most impor- 
tant; better trench with false crest on en- 
emy's side than crest with no dead ground 
to front; when leave quarters, leave clean, 
fill in latrines, etc. ; burn all refuse ; equip- 
ment, emergency rations, feet, boots, socks, 
etc., should be frequently inspected; sa- 
luting — more stringent in France than 
here; look out for spies — always suspect 
any one coming from enemy trenches; 
look out for men working on land, chim- 
ney smoke; if required to destroy enemy 
gun, be sure it is really destroyed — get 
expert advice; men not to wear white 
handkerchiefs at front, therefore not here ; 
sometimes vacate trenches if heavily 
shelled, but wait for orders; always leave 
sentries in trenches if left in this way; 
enemy may take a bit of trench and en- 
tirely blow it in; come back at once if en- 
emy infantry advance ; replacement of cas- 
ualties — reorganization, as in attack drill, 
most important for trench work at front; 



THE DAY'S WORK 113 

essential to be able to load and fire rapid 
practically automatically, without think- 
ing ; use of bayonet very important, hence 
bayonet practice; in siting trenches in 
dark, send man backwards with electric 
torch— this shows how much field of fire 
there is; all orders should be in writing, 
if possible, but must say whom from, 
whom to; know where your platoon com- 
mander and platoon sergeant are sleeping ; 
don't use field dressing for other men's 
wounds or for your own minor cuts, etc. 
—save it for real necessity; if people on 
your right or left in trenches have to with- 
draw, don't go back with them unless spe- 
cially ordered— counter-attack ; any job 
should be done without asking for rein- 
forcements, if possible ; defending a house, 
remove tiles and fire through roof; dig 
own latrines in billets, don't rely on exist- 
ing accommodation; look out for fire- 
very necessary with straw about; don't 
drink any local water till passed by medi-. 
cal officer; wear boots comfortable, even 
size too large— prevents frostbite — grease 
and put straw, paper, etc., round feet— 



114 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

try and get dry place for standing in 
trenches ; fascines under boards ; always be 
on look out for enemy craftiness — dis- 
guises, wearing British uniforms, etc.; 
enemy clever in obtaining names of Brit- 
ish officers; relief of trenches must be 
practised — relieving party file in one way, 
people relieved out the other; digging at 
night — battalion should be able to dig in 
in a night and have trenches well sited — 
no salients, etc. ; if messages sent back, 
e.g., to artillery, give time, place (exactly 
by reference to map, if possible — don't say 
''right, left, in front, behind, etc." say 
"north, south," or give compass bearing) ; 
private soldier must not keep diary at 
front, unless not entered up till a week 
after events ; search all prisoners ; learn 
ciphers off — don 't keep copies ; if wounded, 
hand over or place in prominent position 
your ammunition. 

41. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS — IV. 

Billets — leave note w4th useful informa- 
tion for people who come in after; recon- 



THE DAY'S WORK 115 

noiter before attack — important; if a 
trench is taken, cut off communication to 
headquarters, e.g., cut telephone wires; 
mark that shells make in ground gives an 
idea as to where they are coming from; 
also watch trench mortars in air to see 
where come from ; if defending a building, 
trench round it and retire to trenches when 
shelled, but get back to building wheii in- 
fantry attack; drain trenches, always on 
look out how to get rid of water; devise 
schemes — if you can't revet trench, then 
let sides slope outwards a little ; put blinds 
to loopholes, otherwise sniped ; no smoking 
at night in trenches without permission; 
must not go into cafes, etc., unless allowed ; 
take your rifle everywhere — sick, fatigue, 
orderly-room; salute all ally officers — Eng- 
lish, Belgian, French — very careful as to 
this ; if going to trenches, people with any 
baggage, as, e.g., food, etc., go on in front, 
otherwise left behind — get your slowest 
people in front ; breastworks with sand- 
bags in very wet country; ''island" tra- 
verse — explain; sandbags passed from 
hand to hand — practice; keep a list of 



116 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

things in trench inventory; keep your 
headcover (where allowed) low; machine 
guns to be placed to command communi- 
cation trenches in case fire trench cap- 
tured; certain men should be trained as 
sappers — don't rely too much on army ex- 
perts — if they are there, so much the^bet- 
ter, but try to do things yourselves; 
trenches are numbered, lettered X5, Z6, 
etc. — know your own number; night-work 
to train men to get about the trenches 
and in front of them in dark ; look out for 
enemy sappers — listening post; if trench 
taken, use bayonet supports; every man 
try and think about things — initiative — 
know how to use bombs, grenades — special 
instruction later; be careful of safety pin 
of grenade — not take it out ; if think likely 
to be mined, have a reserve (i.e., a fire 
trench) in rear; train how to get through 
and over obstacles; blankets not allowed 
in trenches — learn to be comfortable as 
possible without; any special firing with 
rifles more accurate than machine guns; 
men practice throwing — useful when have 
to throw bombs or grenades; bombing 



THE DAY'S WORK , 117 

party is guide with bayonets, men who 
throw grenades, men carr>^ing them, and 
men with sandbags — reliefs to each; con- 
centrate or distribute fire with bombs as 
bullets; barbed wire stranded together 
(four pieces) cannot be cut with cutters; 
listening posts — have string back to 
trenches and arrange system of signals, 
like divers; in dark, train rifles on to op- 
posite trenches and clamp in some way; 
dummy — everything to mislead — trenches, 
guns, machine gun emplacements; little 
redoubts (called caponiers) for machine 
guns— "points d'appui" — rallying points; 
mining work by trained men only, as other- 
wise dangerous ; mine a lot of holes in line 
in front, then can make them into 
trenches; listening posts — men in trenches 
have to be perfectly quiet for certain pe- 
riods, to give posts perfect hearing; know 
where your bomb store is; men in support 
trenches must not come out during day — 
people shelled in support and reserve, and 
in billets — usually their own fault; have 
meat tins or buckets for latrines — remove 
at night ; bury dead at once ; when sending 



118 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

in reliefs to trenches, send on non-commis- 
sioned officer or officer as a guide; certain 
apparatus must be left in trenches, other 
stuff carted away with battalion being re- 
lieved — no mistakes as to this; if you are 
on job and expected to report, don't al- 
ways wait till you have something to re- 
port, send back ''Nothing to report," ''All 
quiet," etc. — this is sometimes most useful 
to your officer; take everything you can 
into trenches, it saves fatigues after; when 
going to trenches, remember pace must be 
slow — never double at night on any sort 
of work. 

42. PHYSICAL TRAINING 

[Get the Physical Training Instructor 
to give this lecture, if possible.] 

Importance of; to train mind as well as 
body; progressive nature of course; Ling, 
Swedish inventor; aims; old style gymnas- 
tics — muscle bound — weight-lifters, etc., 
not really required, but alert, quick, body 
well controlled, agile, capable of sustaining 
fatigue — able to double, steadily and well 



THE DAY'S WORK 119 

— not mad rushing — (attack, assault) — 
capable of getting over obstacles (walls), 
through entanglements, etc. ; some men al- 
ways a fraction of a second in coming to 
attention or other order after every one 
else, because body not respond to orders of 
will, mind cells, quickly enough; physical 
training remedies this ; so important, that 
some recruits are given special training in 
it; some (farm laborers) very clumsy — 
need special training; physical training 
''games" — explain and illustrate — various 
types of races, etc. This can be worked up 
into a most interesting talk. 

43. GUARDS AND THEIR DUTIES 

Most important duty; mount at hours, 
ordered — differ in various brigades — some- 
times in morning, sometimes in evening; 
guards must be absolutely clean — buttons, 
boots, badges, rifles, bayonets, clothing, 
person, hair cut, shaved — as smart as it is 
possible to be — a soldier parading dirty 
for guard is very heavily punished ; rigid 
parade discipline — guard parade is a cere- 



120 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

monial drill — one of the few ceremonial 
drills left us in war time, and must be re- 
garded as exceptional occasion for smart- 
ness; marched off to post from the duty 
parade, where guards come first — before 
all piquets or other duties; guards march 
in line unless more than eight men; if 
more than eight, in fours (six men would 
march in line with two ranks) ; guard 
relieving comes to halt in front of old 
guard, which is paraded in front of guard- 
room. Sentries not to lounge, talk, smoke, 
leave rifles; if march, must march smart- 
ly; if halt, halt, face front, order arms 
and stand at ease, never rest; must not 
go to sentry boxes unless very wet; 
only challenge when necessary or when 
ordered; ''Halt, who comes there?'* 
''Friend"; "Pass friend, all's well"— this 
is the usual formula for night-time — give 
the challenge as if meant, not half-heart- 
edly; if a party, "Advance one and give 
the countersign" (if there is one) ; come 
to the "on guard" position; (challenging 
on outpost or other field work is different 
from this — halt, or any authoritative ex- 



THE DAY'S WORK 121 

pression to stop the person, is what is 
wanted there) ; guards may have ammuni- 
tion — great care — has to be returned un- 
less men always carry; must not remove 
equipment or clothing; commander must 
visit sentries at least three times during 24: 
hours — twice at night — to see all well; 
must not leave guard-room without special 
leave for special purpose ; guards turn out 
at Keveille, Retreat, and Tattoo, turn out 
on "alarm" or fire; sentries on for two 
hours, sometimes one — usually one on ac- 
tive service. 

44. CASUALTY DRILL 

This drill should not be given until the 
men are well past the recruit stage. It is 
a good plan to give it some bright after- 
noon by way of variety. It is to teach 
men self reliance and they all like it. The 
principle of it is as follows: the captain 
drills the company for a while, then by 
some pre-arranged signal, he drops out. 
The senior lieutenant then takes charge, 
after a time he drops out, then the next 



122 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

in rank and so on down to the non-com- 
missioned officers — the first sergeant, then 
senior duty sergeant and so on down to the 
corporals, until finally all that are left are 
the privates. The senior private Ithen takes 
charge, after which the next in seniority, 
finally down to the rookies. 

45. OUTPOSTS — I. 

Every force must be protected, and 
force at rest is protected by outposts — 
who keep guard while main body sleeps. 
Protection — gain time — warn — observation 
and resistance; look out for approaches; 
allow no movement to be unobserved; 
piquet line is the line of resistance; cav- 
alry or cyclists observe by patrols pushed 
on; infantry resist by piquets and sup- 
ports, piquets = patrols, sentry groups. 
The line to be guarded is divided up into 
brigades, battalions, companies, etc., so 
that each piquet (usually a platoon) has 
its own settled frontage; duties piquet 
commander; explain orders; night sentries 
posted after dark; sanitation; sentry 



THE DAY'S WORK 123 

groups — 3 to 8, under non-commissioned 
officer; get clear view to front — stand, not 
lie down — night, bayonets fixed — must not 
wear Balaclava hats over ears as sentry's 
warning unheard — keep ears free; at ap- 
proach halt man, cover with rifle, summon 
group commander; sentries know: — direc- 
tion enemy — position sentries on R and L 
— position of piquet — ground — patrols out 
— no countersign — use common sense — if 
Jones out with patrol, use Jones as coun- 
tersign — what to do if attack — don't let 
people pass except own troops, prisoners, 
flags of truce — blindfold and detain; only 
minimum employed on outpost — very tir- 
ing work — but sometimes quarter of the 
force on it; strict observation — stand to 
arms one hour before dawn — rigid rule 
everywhere — remain till patrols report all 
clear — outpost reliefs must arrive before 
dawn; a road must be included in piquet 
frontage not used as dividing point — 
trenches must coordinate with flanks — no 
use one piquet having well sited trenches 
if a salient ; piquet line == line of resist- 
ance; supports come up to them; detached 



124 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

post is a matter for Officer Commanding 
Company ; supports nmst be able to get up 
quickly; standing patrol remains at spot 
(c/, listening post) — prevents constant pa- 
trolling — send back news, and when retire, 
retire to piquet; line of trenches at front 
really outpost scheme — battle outposts; 
short bursts rapid = ambuscade ; every 
man must know his piquet number and 
number of outpost company (numbered 
from right) ; protective detachments rather 
than outposts owing to enemy artillery; 
always fix bayonets at right, unless moon; 
obstacles — barricades to roads, etc., at 
night; outposts never withdrawn until ad- 
vance guard posted and force moving. 

46. OUTPOSTS — II 

Bayonets not fixed in day — command 
approaches by fire in day, bayonet at 
night ; longer field fire than usual — idea 
is delay; piquets not as a rule subjected 
to artillery fire; screen of scouts always 
out to cover posting piquets — withdrawn 
when posted; each possible approach must 



THE DAY'S WORK 125 

have piquet; trench and obstacle — trench 
sufficient to include supports, sentries, etc. ; 
reconnoitring patrols watch, not fight; lis- 
tening posts ; sentries know way back — cir- 
cuitous; if halt man, cover and send com- 
mander to question; only one of flag of 
truce to come in, send others off; rest of 
group lie down firing position ; written 
messages ; relief of sentries ; kits on, rifles 
loaded ; visiting patrols washed out ; 
double sentries at night; capture enemy's 
scouts without firing; don't fire if possible 
not to; outposts and advance, flank and 
rear guards, are services of security; re- 
lieved outposts become rear guard, as eas- 
iest work; not fix bayonets at night, if 
moon ; detached post at bridges ; men 
should know if friendly cavalry in front; 
no smoking, fires, cooking, unless ordered; 
mounted troops used good deal in protec- 
tion ; avoid useless collisions with enemy ; 
sanitation ; cavalry vedettes ; cossack posts ; 
line of observation is the sentry line; line 
of resistance is the piquet line; if sentry 
cannot see piquet sentry, put connecting 
sentry. 



126 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 
47. PROTECTION ON THE MARCH — I 

(a) Advance Guard (to a Force Advanc- 
ing). 

Outposts protect troops halted — advance 
guard protects troops moving forward; 
consists of point, flankers, support, main 
guard; point in front, with flankers on 
either side, support behind (point and 
support together known as vanguard — or 
support alone called that) ; then main 
guard and main body; connecting files 
(dropped from front) between these vari- 
ous parts of advance guard; strength de- 
pends on strength of whole force — propor- 
tionate, main guard usually equals point, 
flankers and support in numbers ; distances 
and intervals also depend on strength and 
country — supposing two platoons told off 
as advance guard, then one platoon equals 
point, flankers, and support (one section 
to flankers, one section to point, and two 
sections to support), other platoon equals 
main guard; 200 to 300 yards between 
point and support, with one connecting 
file ; 300 to 400 yards between support and 



THE DAY'S WORK 12T 

main guard, two or three connecting files 
between; and 500 to 600 yards between 
main guard and main body, three or four 
connecting files; flankers extend out to 
flanks, point and (sometimes) support ex- 
tend when crossing open country ; if flank- 
ers turn to their flank, they should be in 
extended order, facing flank, not parallel 
with point; dash and discretion required 
in advance guard ; first duty is to let main 
body get on, and small parties enemy 
scouts, patrols, etc., must be brushed aside, 
yet must not get own force involved in a 
big action when perhaps not wanted ; local 
reconnaissance — main body not checked — 
(halts come from main body forward to 
advance guard, never vice versa, unless 
serious check) — advance guard is a fight- 
ing force ; connecting files difficult work — 
keep touch both ways, when halt one face 
front, one rear — drop more back if neces- 
sary, 50 to 100 yards enough between files 
— at night time 5 to 6 paces enough; by 
night block up wrong turnings with 
branches, logs, etc., or otherwise mark 
which way gone ; in passing messages, con- 



128 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

necting men double; march discipline im- 
portant; any unit marching near enemy 
should look after itself, e.g., small outpost, 
small advance guard ; it is a matter of rou- 
tine to tell off sentries, and so on; fix bay- 
onets through wooded country; when over 
open country and deployed, extensions 
should be pretty wide, wider than in at- 
tack; cavalry go with vanguard and ar- 
tillery with main guard; advance guard 
must take up position early — not keep 
main body waiting. 

48. PROTECTION ON THE MARCH — H 

(b) Rear Guard (to a Force Betiring). 

The fighting force ; main guard and rear 
party — practically an advance guard re- 
versed ; with point last, flankers, then sup- 
port, main guard; job is to allow main 
body to get away ; dangerous work — Mons ; 
not engage enemy too closely; if fails, is 
scuppered; force enemy to deploy early, 
thus delaying them; open fire early; leave 
before enemy get too close; rear guard 
should retire bit by bit; one party cover- 



THE DAY'S WORK 129 

ing other's retirement; calls for the high- 
est soldierly qualities; every one in firing 
line ; artillery and cavalry as many as pos- 
sible; force frequent deployments of en- 
emy; show strong front to enemy; scout 
for line of retreat ; artillery must fire at 
long range; block roads, destroy bridges, 
makes fords impassable, burn or sink boats, 
fire woods, etc. Officer to go on and select 
next place to make a stand. 

(c) Flank Guard 

Not always necessary — lines of scouts 
with supports at intervals; stationary 
guards ; must hold on until main body and 
transport have gone by. 



N. B. — These guards are combined, i.e., 
party advancing has rear guard as well as 
advance guard — though, of course, not so 
important ; army retiring has advance 
guard in addition to the rear guard ; and 
flank guards may be required with either. 

Have ten minutes' halt before every 
hour strikes, to re-form. 



ADVANCE GUARD 



• ScouZs * 



t- 



left ' ^ I ^Support ^^ht 
Flankers Flankers 



♦ • 



Mcurty 
GucLrd 



Heaxl of 
McdrvBodtj 



No hard and fast rules can be laid down either for 

numbers or distribution. The Commander should use 

his own discretion, taking into consideration the 

nature of the country through which he has to pass. 

130 



REAR 
GUARD 



AMaArhBody 



Mca>n> GuAX^rdy 



D 



Support 



Flankers 



rhJ^ear 



PctrUj 



Lefty 
Flankers 



No hard and fast rules can be laid down either for 

numbers or distribution. The Commander should use 

his own discretion, taking into consideration the 

nature of the country through which he has to pass. 

131 



FLANK GUARD 



• • • 



6 



• * J Sec. *. 

a 
jJdvance 
Guard 



iSec. • 

D 



Head of 
J4aln Body 



iSec. 

D 



iSec. 



No hard and fast rules can be laid down either for 

numbers or distribution. The Commander should use 

his own discretion, taking into consideration the 

nature of the country through which he has to pass. 

13i2 



THE DAY'S WORK 133 

49. NIGHT WORK ELEMENTARY 

Get accustomed to dark; overcome ner- 
vousness; visual training — on familiar 
ground — skyline; side of hill; striking 
matches, smoking, lights at night; impor- 
tance of skyline — make one by crouching 
down — ability to see increases with prac- 
tice ; object more visible when moon be- 
hind observer — stand up with impunity if 
got a background; sound tests at night; 
visual training more important than au- 
ral — better to see something at night than 
to hear it; but get to know noise of bolt, 
water bottle, patrol, cattle — voice travels 
— easier to hear on soft ground standing, 
hard ground lying; noise different in dif- 
ferent sorts of country — open, enclosed, 
hilly, flat; silent advances very impor- 
tant; silent drill — taken in daytime on 
parade; on short grass put toe down first, 
on long put heel down first; prevent 
equipment rattling; fixing bayonets at 
night; take off and put on equipment; 
sling rifle over left shoulder, both arms 
free to hold equipment; half full water 



134 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

bottle — swishing noise ; arms clashing with 
those of other men; orientation — how to 
tell Pole Star; observe natural objects in 
daytime, otherwise nervous at night; when 
to fire at night; night sentries — challeng- 
ing quietly — reconnaissance — learn marks 
of country. 

50. NIGHT W^ORK — ADVANCED. NIGHT 
OPERATIONS 

Night march or attack ; careful prepara- 
tion ; where to start ; orderlies — signals — 
chains of men — close up, no distance be- 
tween units — officer in rear — keep connec- 
tion — advance party not far out — connect- 
ing files — magazines charged (not loaded) 
— arrange time of halts — all halt lie down 
together — lie down in ranks — two miles 
per hour good rate at night; idea to out- 
manoeuver; move position unobserved — get 
over places not possible to cross by day — 
continue attack at dawn — tactical sur- 
prise — secrecy essential and special train- 
ing of men — night attacks not by very 
large body — object should be defined clear- 



THE DAY'S WORK 135 

ly ; maintain connection ; silence ; previous 
reconnaissance essential — by day and 
night; note landmarks; night march to 
force enemy to tight — get out of tight cor- 
ner — no assault after long march, men too 
exhausted and country unknown, wait till 
dawn for assault; open country — com- 
pass — general direction by stars — Tel-el- 
Kebir — keep touch by connecting files — 
in column ropes with knots at column dis- 
tance; night advance to gain ground so 
that assault in day — local guides — small 
protective guards (in night march) — 
night advance is hy extended troops — • 
night assaults — night trenching; night 
march, and then assault means position 
of assembly where leave march formation 
and position of deployment — not too near 
enemy; careful not to converge; artillery 
not much use at night unless ranges known 
— if not in open level country, must get 
into preparatory formation before extend- 
ing; all ranks must know orders; lateral 
communication for simultaneous attack — 
night attacks only as a rul^ when day un- 



136 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

successful ; subject to moral failure — ner- 
vy business — atmosphere tense — mystery 
■ — therefore never whisper as it increases 
this ; habit of working at night ; strictest 
discipline at night — one man can spoil 
show — which part of enemy's line to at- 
tack in dark. 

51. WOOD FIGHTING FIGHTING IN CLOSE 

COUNTRY AND VILLAGES 1 

AVhat is close country — view and move- 
ment restricted — fences, hedges, banks — 
machine guns useful ; delaying action ; bad 
for extensions ; loss higher control = more 
initiative subordinates ; reconnaissance ; re- 
tain close formation long as possible; care 
re direction; beware enfilade fire; increase 
observers, messengers, maintain connec- 
tion ; reorganize every chance ; in defence 
— clear foreground; screens; small bodies 
up roads; force counter-attacks; don't de- 
fend commanding positions. Villages at- 
tract troops — cover^ — water — food — marked 
on map ; woods conceal from aircraft — 
movements slow — scouts well ahead — ad- 



THE DAY'S WORK 137 

vance by bounds — small parallel columns 
in four or file ; distribute companies in 
depth rather than breadth, to reduce min- 
gling units; lateral touch — guard flanks — 
compass bearing — artillery and cavalry 
very restricted — means that infantry self- 
reliant; ready at any time strong fire or 
charge with bayonet — counter-attacks, but 
not too far; bayonet is the best weapon. 

52. WOOD FIGHTING FIGHTING IN CLOSE 

COUNTRY AND VILLAGES — II 

Attack on village : Presume defence 
trenched — send parties round flanks — 
house-to-house fighting — reorganize — strug- 
gles between groups — strengthen points 
gained — cross-roads — avoid streets (ma- 
chine guns). Defence of village: Worth 
defending (water, cover, shelter) — be- 
ware houses in daytime — artillery — get 
dug-outs for daytime; communication 
above ground difficult, so tunnel from cel- 
lar to cellar; hold position in rear of 
village, and command exits rather than 
front is advice given by some; garrison 



138 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

a village with a unit; arrange for with- 
drawal of guns; loophole houses; special 
arrangements at cross-roads, village 
greens ; re shooting to right or left of win- 
dow. 

Defence of wood: Ground; disposition 
of force ; if small, wood can be outflanked, 
best defence is in front ; if large, and can 
be done, defend in rear, heavy fire when 
enemy emerge; in this case throw detach- 
ments into wood to resist; abatis — entan- 
glements; withdrawal of guns; counter-at- 
tack. 

Attack on wood : Fight for edge, strug- 
gle inside, debouch on enemy's side; once 
gained edge, prepare for counter-attack; 
examine paths, rides, clearings, guard 
against counter-attack; keep in touch with 
own troops so that all debouch together; 
demolition obstacles — engineers ; other side 
wood very dangerous business; entangle- 
ments, known ranges, etc. ; try other ways 
out; deploy inside and rush out in line; 
strong artillery support; never halt at 
edge — rush on till stopped. 



THE DAY'S WORK 139 

53. WOOD FIGHTING FIGHTING IN CLOSE 

COUNTRY AND VILLAGES HI 

Caution, vigilance, self-reliance; wood 
fighting is a soldier's battle; difficult work 
—hard to train for it— fight between units 
—no supports, cannot see. Attack in 
woods : snipers ; must keep breadth of for- 
mation if wood is an incident in a big at- 
tack, but rather depth if main fighting in 
^.ood— lines of platoons or sections in 
fours or in column of sections— column of 
sections useful formation— if held up by 
enemy, dig in with tool— and supports the 
same;' compass— director 10 feet behind 
directing section, directs one man — avoid 
j^ialts- fire at once if meet enemy— no pur- 
suit except by fire, disorganize— if very 
thick, halt every 300 or 400 yards to check. 
Wood fighting defence: Easily surprised 
—successive lines of trenches— trench well 
in wood, not nearer than 300 yards to edge 
—artillery fire— use trees as obstacles- 
conform obstacles to existing features- 
avoid roads— clear foreground— field of 
fire 100 yards, about— obstacles first, then 



140 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

trench, pull down trees that may be shelled 
and fall — protection when digging — rally- 
ing points — in first line, have strong po- 
sitions here and there well obstacled, with 
machine gnns — arrange communication 
trenches so that they may be used as fire 
trenches — overhead cover in woods, air- 
craft very unlikely to spot — cut paths to 
front with machine guns — may induce en- 
emy to advance up ; barbed wire to trees. 

54. AMMUNITION SUPPLY 

Kefilling points; reserves; divisional am- 
munition column reserves; artillery bri- 
gade ammunition column reserves; regi- 
mental reserves; artillery ammunition 
columns have ammunition for infantry; 
duties of commanders of brigade ammuni- 
tion column; 120 rounds on man (now in- 
creased) ; pack animals (company mules) 
machine gun section ammunition; brigade 
reserves formed; take regimental reserves 
if go any distance; brigade ammunition 
column commanders — get into touch with 
artillery brigade ammunition columns — 



THE DAY'S WORK 141 

fill up empty transport; reserve ammuni- 
tion in rear; action imminent, men carry 
200 rounds ; difficulty of getting ammuni- 
tion to firing-line; sergeant-major (bat- 
talion) responsible ammunition reserve; 
company pack animals get where tliey can 
(company quartermaster-sergeant) ; must 
be careful with ammunition— very impor- 
tant—life may depend on having a round ; 
don't fire unnecessarily— magazines half 
full ; go on till stopped by fire— covering 
fire for reinforcements — but not more 
than two rounds per man— never fire with- 
out order till near enemy— rush as far as 
possible— don't give covering fire if not 
really wanted— till the struggle for fire 
superiority, never any sort of fire except 
covering fire to support movement; the 
bayonet gets the enemy out, not bullets; 
reinforcements must hand over their 
rounds (as much as possible) to people 
who have been in first line ; get mules up 
as far as possible; in trenches; question 
not so important as plenty ammunition- 
range marks— range cards— no independ- 
ent rapid fire unless really wanted; limit 



142 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

fire orders; not ''Ten rounds rapid fire'' 
as one hears in field practices so often. 

55. ENTRENCHMENTS 1 

Trenches necessary to avoid bullets ; pro- 
tection — artillery fire; shorter; deeper; 
better concealed and narrower, the better 
the trench; three sorts — fire, communica- 
tion, and shelter — each differently con- 
structed; various types; traverses; ''isl- 
and" traverses; sometimes started by men 
with tools — rifle pits then connected, then 
improved into fire trenches ; siting ; 
shape ; how to dig ; how to be concealed ; 
not regular line — wavy — better conceal- 
ment — parapet — parados — fire platform — 
section trenches — traverses — arrangement 
— revetments — drainage — fascines — night 
trenching — revetments with planks, brush- 
wood, sandbags, etc. (see practical work 
No. 22, p. 78) — if not revet, slope sides a 
little outwards — camber — hide by leaves, 
vegetation, folds in ground — avoid steep 
slopes on enemy's side — shelter trenches 
wider, shallower than fire — communication 



THE DAY'S WORK 143 

deep, narrow — with passing places — shel- 
ter trenches have overhead cover — fire 
trenches not — fire trenches, only head 
cover parapet — or recesses shored up as 
protection against shrapnel — shelter 
trenches — roof with iron or wood — rafter 
periodically — steps to get out — leave com- 
munication trench so that man must crawl 
up and over last 3 or 4 feet^only dig 
down 1 to 2 feet — this traverses between 
the communication and the fire trench — 
dug-outs — company headquarters, etc.^ — 
obstacles — wire entanglements 15 yards in 
front of fire trench — especially in front of 
gaps in trenches — there is no continuous 
line from the sea to the south, such as is 
described in press. Latrines run off from 
communication trenches. Sapping — saps 
go out to front 40 to 50 yards — listening 
posts — sapping for mining is special op- 
eration done by the engineers. 

56. ENTRENCHMENTS II 

Counter-attack always by supports or 
new men — same with assault — if high ex- 



144 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

plosive shell falls in trench, cannot do 
anything — only localize effects by travers- 
ing — try and get obliqne fire from trench 
by making line irregular — look out for 
natural features, points of tactical import- 
ance — cross-fire — always remember enemy 
artillery fire — always have parados, heads 
not seen so much — trench on own side of 
crest of hill far enough down to get field 
fire — note how ideas altered as to this 
since war — fire control — rapid — concen- 
trated — bursts; counter-attacks; first line 
troops not do this; reinforce trench, dis- 
tribute ammunition — relief of trenches — 
carefully done — carry food, water, ammu- 
nition, tools (may be left) depends on ar- 
rangements made — range cards and marks 
— marks, pieces of wood stuck in ground, 
or natural features, lumps, stone, etc. ; ob- 
servers not always on look out — periodi- 
cally — don't move, draws fire — look out 
every minute, say — have a sniper or two — 
and observer with field glasses — relieve 
always in dark; pursuit by fire; planning 
out trenches, different methods — officer 
marks out with entrenching tool — pieces 



THE DAY'S WORK 145 

of stick with string (old way) ; hide all 
traces newly-turned earth — biscuit tins, 
etc. ; wood, water, and ammunition stor- 
age — ammunition small recesses; latrines 
— how made ; automatic alarms — flares — 
alarms, pots with pebbles, suspended on 
wire — automatic fire alarms — bombs — 
grenades — countersapping ; protection 
against bombs — wire netting, but must be 
easily removable, otherwise cannot get out 
or use bayonets. 

57. ENTRENCHMENTS III 

Screened communication; drainage — do 
all possible — very serious in winter; in- 
crease trenches from 2 feet wide to 3 feet 
wide and depth, more protection, but 
must make fire platform — advance posts 
in front — alternative fire trenches, if time 
— dummies — shelters in rear of firing line 
— shelled — retire, leaving observers, but 
ready to re-occupy quickly — cleaning rifles 
— have oil and rag handy — stored; re- 
serves may sleep, so accommodation for 
this purpose ; trenches behind hedges — 



146 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

sunken obstacles, especially in front of 
breastworks — breastworks generally owing 
to wet; traverses every 12 feet — dressing 
stations — removal of wounded difficult — 
also burial dead — use of entrenching tool 
— remove trees to get field of fire ; lighting 
up at night — fires — illuminating wreck 
lights, etc.; machine gun emplacements 
run out; officers' dug-out, with look-out; 
cook-house and water — aid post; support- 
ing point — point d'appui — well concealed, 
well obstacled — parapet 1 foot — paradosed 
all round — completely obstacled barbed 
wire — fire all round — a redoubt. 

58. SCOUTING 

Reconnoitring — observing — reporting ; 
mounted men and cyclists; detailed orders 
as to what to do and see; inquire exactly 
what is wanted ; send back intelligence 
quickly, otherwise value may be lost — 
map reading ; making of a report ; sight 
and hearing ; resource — danger — difficul- 
ties — signaling — use ground — distance 
judging — pacing — know length of paces — 



THE DAY'S WORK 14T 

compass — 'Orientation — stars — sun^ — moon 
report negatively — important as positive 
information; don't fire unless necessary; 
look out for ambushes ; ground scouts — 
know instinctively good cover and fire po- 
sitions; don't mask fire of those behind; 
look out for obstacles — machine guns be- 
hind hay stacks, etc. ; suitable halting 
places in attack; enemy artillery some- 
times rapid fire whenever target appears 
on a spot of which they have range — 
scouts warn as to this; scouts to flank; 
through woods ; fords ; presence of hostile 
piquets; temporary outposts while halted 
— scouts sent on ; every unit must protect 
itself — no excuse to say thought own 
troops, on flank, etc. — scouts out; great 
personal courage required; full instruc- 
tions; "bluff" — Baden Powell's book on 
"Quick Training for War" — also other 
books for those interested in scouting; 
scouts wanted — when company on ad- 
vance, etc., guards; on flank of attack; on 
outposts and outposts driven in; company 
scouts — apart from battalion — ready to go 
out moment's notice — company halted 



148 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

near enemy outposts, work done by scouts 
— patrols really scouts — formation of 
five scouts — cross-shape, with commander 
in middle — ready to meet attack from any 
direction — put yourself in position of en- 
emy and imagine what he would do — first 
duty, get information, not save skin — 
never get engaged with enemy unneces- 
sarily — scouts work in pairs — rear guard 
scouts. 

59. REPORTS AND RECONNAISSANCE 

Information — topogi^aphy — maps — ' re- 
ports: verbal, written, plans, sketches; if 
verbal, observer to go back himself — verbal 
reports passed on to another not much use 
— be clear what you mean — correct any 
wrong impressions on officer's part — bet- 
ter in writing — places in capitals — write 
plainly — read over to see if intelligible — 
put your name, date, regiment, rank, also 
time to minute ; simple language — put 
down everything — don't know what may 
be useful — don't say there is something 
unless you have seen it — if told, say ' ' I am 



THE DAY'S WORK 149 

informed that ' ' — don 't be va^ie ; use well- 
known signs, not those of your own in- 
vention, nor your own abbreviations. 
Boad: From to ; width, condi- 
tion, gradients, slopes, will it take heavy 
traffic ? — enclosed or not — surrounding 
country — bye-roads — villages or towns on 
road — position, situation, construction, in- 
habitants, resources, billets. Rivers, 
streams: General nature, direction, 
breadth, depth, velocity (drop cork), for- 
mula for working out amount of water ob- 
tainable, banks and fords, bridges, water- 
ing places, ferries, ponds. Railways: 
Chief places on, stations, two lines or sin- 
gle, rolling stock, gauge, cuttings, em- 
bankments, telegraphs. Open country: 
Wood, water, wells, camps, bivouacs. 
Woods, forests, copses: Size, trees, under- 
growth, can troops get through? guns? 
wagons? Resources of country: Cattle, 
horses, pigs, sheep, wagons, carts, forage, 
crops. Dust — given previously; plans, 
sketches. In reports leave good margin 
for extra notes and references; scales; N., 
magnetic N. — hill features, contours — 



150 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

combined reports and reference maps most 
useful — conventional signs know by heart 
— traversing. N.B. — Of course, in this, as 
in all subjects, further instruction must 
be given to specialists. This is merely a 
recruit lecture. 

60, THE PLATOON SYSTEM 

Army systems — 100 years ago almost 
all nations had companies of 100 men — 
Romans — numbers of companies varied 
from 6 to 15 or more — Napoleon 8 com- 
panies — changed to 4 after battle of Jena 
^Great Britain last to fall in line — Brit- 
ish Army 8 to 14 companies per battalion 
— since South African AVar struggle to get 
alteration. Organization: What is the 
unit ? ; squad — man cannot look after more 
than 12 to 16 ; 4 is easy number to deal 
with ; therefore 4 squads to platoon, 4 pla- 
toons to company, 4 companies to battal- 
ion, 4 battalions to brigade. The only 
people who command men in war are the 
squad leaders, everyone else commands 
units; platoon training; get squads to 



THE DAY'S WORK 151 

work together in peace or war — get ''pals" 
in squads together — put them on guard, 
etc., together — get to know one another; 
success in war depends greatly on fire-unit 
commanders, i.e., squad commanders; 
squad commanders must know how to han- 
dle squads. 

In attack, the duties of squad leaders 
are — and this should continually be driven 
into them : — 

(1) Watching for favorable targets. 

(2) Watching for signals from platoon 
and company officers. 

(3) Observing effects of fire. 

(4) Seizing all chances of firing for 
mutual support. 

(5) Seeing to the issue and re-distribu- 
tion of ammunition. 

(6) Selecting halting places in attack. 

(7) Making best use of grounds and 
cover. 

(8) Reforming his squad as the oppor- 
tunity offers. During the attack, 
advantage should be taken of the 
dead ground to reform the squad, 
which may have become mixed ow- 



153 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

ing to the confusion, especially in 
the later phases of attack. 
A platoon is a most useful unit ; for such 
work as piquets, attacks — 4 companies 
with 4 platoons is much easier to handle 
by Major than 8 companies of 100 men 
with officer commanders; platoon system 
a great success. 

61. ARTILLERY 

Compare gun with rifle — rifle carried — 
gun wants six horses — gun hard to knock 
out — infantryman killed — shell bursts, 
show where gone — rifle doesn't, unless, 
dust — rifle goes for one man, shell for 
many — shell must explode in air, other- 
wise not much damage — shell damage area 
considerable, but must be aimed accurately 
— time fuses — must be absolutely accurate 
— one second out makes difference of 100 
yards where burst — density of air alters, 
therefore barometric conditions alter shot 
— one shell wasted equals 300 bad rifle 
shots — gunner takes range, works out, fires 
from two guns — watches effect — then adds 



THE DAY'S WORK 153 

and deducts from two ranges until get cor- 
rect — percussion fuses — burst on ground 
on striking — get range this way, but must 
then calculate time fuse — but once got cor- 
rect range, easy work for gunners — where- 
as rifleman always altering sights. De- 
sirable guns concealed — then behind crests 
— difficult to hit these — get direction with 
sticks stuck up on crest — and angles taken 
from point on flank — look out for localities 
which may have been ranged by artillery, 
and get by quickly — trees, hedges, clumps, 
etc., easy ranging marks — avoid buildings, 
haystacks (process of getting range, of 
course, takes some five to fifteen minutes) 
— if infantry advance in long extended 
line, guns get range and lower as ad- 
vance; therefore, small scattered groups 
much better — harder to range — and hit — 
this is ''artillery formation" — also keep 
better control — difficult to control along 
extended lines — some officers still prefer 
extended line, and will not have artil- 
lery formation, but its use has been justi- 
fied — less harm to morale — own guns can 
help in advance — they have stationary tar- 



154 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

get but our artillery can't help in last 
stages — get over open ground under enemy 
shell fire as quickly as possible ; zones of 
fire. 

62. ARTILLERY II 

Co-operation between infantry and ar- 
tillery so much that must understand a lit- 
tle about guns — field guns and howitzers; 
kinds : mountain guns ; 6 in. guns — howit- 
zers — trench mortars; huge howitzers, 
machine guns are not guns in this sense; 
field guns, light shells — flat trajectory; 
howitzers, heavy shells, curved (very 
much) trajectory. Shells: High ex- 
plosive and shrapnel — both guns fire 
either — burst in air — time fuse — percus- 
sion — shrapnel, w^hat is it? — high ex- 
plosive nature — shrapnel worse in open 
— must burst at right time, otherwise 
not much damage — bullets come for- 
ward at angle, therefore men at bottom 
of fire trench (especially if in recess) not 
likely to be harmed much — effect of shells 
on trenches, houses, roads, etc. — observ- 
ers — observing officers in telephonic com- 



THE DAY'S WORK 155 

munication with guns — if observer killed, 
gun cannot see. Artillery formation: 
Various kinds — irregular — diamond for- 
mation — regular formations — more con- 
trol — what to do in woods — troops should 
be able to assume artillery formation 
quickly from any other formation; time 
to get at a gun, when it is moving, if can 
— no use then, cannot fire — only way is 
to kill gunners — artillery bombardment 
before assault — curtains of fire — difficult 
to get through — enormous quantities of 
shells required — only w^ay to cross a belt 
or curtain is to get as near as possible and 
rush through — scouts can ascertain these 
belts — artillery tremendously useful in 
rear guard actions — Mons — delaying pow- 
er, but guns may be lost — if capture a gun, 
destroy it, if necessary. 

63. COMPANY TRAINING 



Recruits are interested in the work that 
awaits them when they join a battalion, 
and a lecture may be devoted to roughly 
sketching out the programme. 



156 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

Fitness — ability to shoot — open order — 
protection — digging — night work — special- 
ists — reports — ^maps — compass — drill (a 
means to an end) — marching — musketry — 
distance judging — use of cover — messages 
— artillery formations — attack — reinforce 
— reorganize — field engineering — disci- 
pline — leave lines clean — punctuality on 
parade — intelligence — initiative — food — 
eleanliness — indoor work in wet weather — 
use brains — not too much of a machine — 
observation — practise on march — syllabus 
of work — practical work, with lectures and 
illustration — camp life — hard work — 
— drafts to Front — end of training — credit 
of regiment. 

64. ENTRENCHING TOOLS 

Rifle pits — throw earth to front — impor- 
tance of tools — know how to use them — 
safety may depend on it — use must be 
taught — starting, improving, trenches — 
small thrown up cover — only for shallow 
digging — but battalions have dug them- 
selves in at the Front with them — turn 



THE DAY'S WORK 157 

ditch, etc., into trench with it — rifle's 
length of earth to be safe — sergeants carry 
them — scraping up cover — not shell cover, 
of course — bank in front — fire round it — 
if possible, illustrate this — dig hole for 
chest first — work towards feet — turn on 
side when possible — rifle pits are the saf- 
est, but take longer. 

65. CEREMONIAL 

Show parades — important keep still — 
every slight movement seen — reviews — in 
line — sized — how to size a platoon — dem- 
onstrate (this sometimes takes men by sur- 
prise) — inspections in close column or line 
— officers draw swords — present arms, offi- 
cers salute with swords — order ditto — 
guards' ceremonial drill — march past — 
"Eyes — right," open ranks, etc. — explain 
-all this thoroughly to men, as never know 
when may be inspected — guards of hon- 
or — funeral parties — routine. Not much 
ceremonial in war time, and all the more 
important to do it well when it does come. 



158 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 
66; CAMP SANITATION 

[Get sanitary sergeant to give this lec- 
ture, if possible.] 

Latrines — earth — flies — importance of 
earth — flies' eggs — disease — enteric, etc. 

Washing places — soapy water; drainage 
— don't throw water about — economy in 
use of water — fouling of ground. 

Refuse — different sorts — food — pigwash 
— sold — cook-house-cleanliness — attention 
to detail of sanitation in camps — absence 
of flies best index to cleanliness. 

Feeding arrangements — if in tents, 
great care required — remove all food lying 
about. 

67. MACHINE GUNS 

[By M.G. Officer, if possible.] 

General principles — powerful help to in- 
fantry — concentrated fire — good in 
cramped localities — salients — enfilade fire 
—value at night if "laid" — "all-round 
traverse" — rapid fire in any direction — 



THE DAY'S WORK 159 

easily moved — accompany infantry — but 
cannot observe fire at long ranges — uses 
much ammunition, sometimes not worth 
results — mechanism interrupted — equals 
thirty men rapid fire — not an easy target 
if well concealed — fire turned off and on 
like a tap — fire positions — reconnaissance 
— fire effect most important — number of 
guns increased — enemy use very much — 
machine gun section must be brought into 
action quickly when opportunity offers — 
smart men on work — unity of command — 
don't change position unless necessary — 
alternative positions — range cards — pro- 
tected by troops — infantry escort — ma- 
chine gun officer allowed certain freedom 
of action — reserve men under cover — re- 
place casualties — concealed positions — tac- 
tical importance — range — vulnerability — • 
to support or delay movement — against a 
good target — only against artillery at close 
range, then very effective — ranging fire — 
rapid traversing — combined sights — cone 
of fire — signals — essentially a weapon of 
opportunity. 



160 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 
68. MILITARY HYGIENE 

Sanitation — preservation of health — 
cleanliness — diseases — smallpox, vaccina- 
tion — in war disease has caused more 
deaths than wounds — important in war, 
as no civil authorities to assist — germs — 
bacteria — how taken in system — swallow, 
flies, dust, water; through excreta, per- 
sonal contact, through blood (cut) ; im- 
munity ; ' ' carriers ' ' ; cholera ; dysentery, 
enteric (typhoid), sunstroke, malaria, 
Malta fever, Mediterranean fever, scurvy, 
tuberculosis, venereal disease; yellow fev- 
er ; water — impurities — dissolved, sus- 
pended — dead and living bacteria — most 
important, pure water — not drink small 
waters (puddle), but from lakes, rivers, if 
can — troops using stream — drinking, 
horses, and washing — sterilize water — boil 
— ^fatigue men — sedimentation, precipita- 
tion, clarification, filtration — forms of fil- 
ters — barrel filters; porcelain filters — 
chemicals — alum — potassium — perman- 
ganate — chlorine. Food : Tapeworm — 
measly meat — ptomaine poison — tinned 



THE DAY'S WORK 161 

meat — ''blown" — holes to escape gas — 
suspicious; necessary foods; nitrogen 
starches (sugar), fat, salts, water; in- 
fected food — never buy from hawkers 
without permission — beef, cheese, butter, 
bread, potatoes, sugar, milk (total weight 
24 oz.) is a complete daily diet — iron 
emergency ration — alcohol — rum in 
trenches — lessens fatigue, comfort; physi- 
cal training; billets — water — latrines; biv- 
ouacs — site — water, grass, high ground, 
good drainage, latrines, washing, kitchen, 
disposal refuse — improvised incinerators 
— dead animals — latrine bivouac system — 
absence of tents not affect health as many 
imagine — dry clothes — incinerators : bee- 
hive, barrel .shape, or saucer depression; 
refuse in closed bins. 



69. MILITARY ENGINEERING 

Definitions: Abatis, banquette, enfil- 
ade, fascine, gabion, glacis, grazing fire, 
helve (entrenching tool), parados, para- 
pet, piquets, plunging fire, redoubt, revet- 
ment, sap, tamp, obstacles — slope, descent; 



162 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

bullets — penetration of bullets — shrapnel, 
howitzers; digging, hurdles, trenching (no 
relief system now) — range marks (V- 
shaped wood at 500 yards, X-shaped at 
1,000 yards) — trenches, redoubts, gun em- 
placements — frozen ground — layer of 
straw and burn — slope bottom of the 
trench to gutter — dressing stations — dum- 
my parapets — ruses — obstacles, sunken, 
not impede counter-attacks — wire piquets 
— barricades — inundations — preparation 
of buildings for defence — passage of ob- 
stacles — cut or explode — outposts always 
trench — lines of communications — defence 
— blockhouses — stockades — field kitchens 
— ovens — Aldershot oven — water, quanti- 
ties required — shelters — ' ' bivvies ' ' with 
rifles, string and blankets, or wetter sheets 
— knottings — lashings — roads — founda- 
tions (fascines) — bridges (improvise) — 
carts, rafts, endless rope, tarpaulin, tres- 
tle — floating bridges — piers of logs — demo- 
litions — explosives — detonators — primer — 
guncotton, gunpowder, dynamites, destruc- 
tion of railways — remove engine pistons, 



THE DAY'S WORK 163 

telegraph destruction — cut down poles — 
cut and twist wires. 



70. RELATIONS OF A SOLDIER TO THE CIVIL 
POWER 

Soldier subject to military law, but to 
civil as well — obeys military superiors, but 
law of land also — cannot plead excuse to 
conmiitting crime that obeyed superior of- 
ficer — superior officer's commands must be 
lawful — martial law — duties if called out 
riots, etc. — if shoot civilian may be liable 
to trial for murder — unless great emer- 
gency .troops not ordered out without re- 
quisition in writing — magistrates — magis- 
trate must be present — disposition of 
troops — troops under officer — placing town 
under martial law — duties of officers in 
charge of each patrol — to quell a riot — 
action must be taken immediately — a 
show of force very disconcerting to crowd 
— duties of Officer Commanding — magis- 
trate and Officer Commanding each re- 
sponsible for what is done, and may have 
to answer for it, and justify their action 



164 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

later — Officer Commanding has full dis- 
cretionary power — commands to be given 
by Officer Commanding — warning to peo- 
ple that fire may be opened — detachment 
told off into sections — firing by files or sec- 
tions — a very grave duty for soldiers — 
full sense of responsibility^ — only fire at 
crowd and at it, not over it — magistrate 
and troops remain till safely withdrawn 
^military may act in serious cases with- 
ous reference to civil power. 

71. HOW TO BE FIT 

Importance of health — breathing — exer- 
cise — ventilation — batlus — temperance — 
hair short and washed frequently — food — 
careful — indigestion — wash plates and 
mugs carefully — mess tins — smoking in 
moderation, no cigarettes, pipe only — 
teeth, care of — after hard day's work 
rules — blisters, sore feet, vaseline, prick 
blisters; boots fit well, if not, go to Com- 
pany Quartermaster-Sergeant — pricking 
blisters — camp sore throat, gargle — sun- 
stroke — care of toe-nails — blankets at 



THE DAY'S WORK 165 

camp, air, shake — tents rolled up soon 
after Reveille — sick parade — water bot- 
tles scrupulously clean — careful what wa- 
ter drunk — change if wet after parade — 
chafing legs, boracic powder — keep warm 
at night — ^mess in cooking — ^keep bowels 
open, if not, go to medical orderly for pill 
or report sick — camp life at first may cause 
constipation — sick soldier is no use, but a 
nuisance to others — all endeavor to keep 
fit. 

72. FIRST AID 

If you can persuade the Medical Officer 
to lecture on this, all the better; failing 
him, his orderly is probably a certificated 
man. Improvise bandages — don't rely on 
tourniquets — triangular bandages, etc. — 
common sense — don't panic — calm — other- 
wise worry patient — almost the less done 
the better — first aid don 't try to take place 
of a doctor. Faint — prevent by head be- 
tween knees ; cure by lie down, head back, 
loosen clothes — fresh air. Vomiting — 
head on one side — prevent suffocation; no 



166 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

stimulants unless conscious, otherwise 
choke — shock — warmth. Epilepsy — lay 
down^ head slightly raised, loosen clothes, 
gag tongue. Apoplexy — serious, doctor; 
concussion, compression. Drunken fit — 
burns, scalds ; choking — suffocation — as- 
phyxia — fire. Frost bite — tingles blue, 
white painless — friction; not too warm 
room ; no artificial heat — rub — don 't wear 
tight boots or socks. Poisons: corrosive, 
irritant, systematic; drowning; fractures 
— splints improvise; haemorrhage: varicose 
veins; foreign substances in eye; cramp; 
nose bleeding. These points must be dealt 
with sermtim and the treatments specified ; 
wounds — field service dressing; stop bleed- 
ing. 



In addition a weekly chat about the cam- 
paign is always w^elcomed; and with very 
little trouble and reading up the existing 
state of affairs with its many possibilities 
can be explained to the recruits. 



Ill 

THE WEEKLY TIME-TABLE 

1 
Having laid down the schedule of work 

to be completed, it remains then so to ar- 
range our weekly programme that the re- 
cruit, by the time that he comes to be 
drafted into the battalion, has been taken 
through this work, or as much of it as pos- 
sible. A report should be sent to the bat- 
talion with each squad drafted, notifying 
the exact stage in the programme reached. 
More especially, of course, does this apply 
in the case of such subjects as musketry 
and map reading. 

At the weekly meeting referred to at 
which all officers, the Battalion Sergeant- 
Major and squad commanders (if re- 
quired) are present, it is arranged on what 
days and hours the various squads shall 
167 



168 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

do special work (specialist officers keep- 
ing careful record of what has actually 
been done) and the position of each squad 
discussed, attention being given to any 
particular needs of any squad, e.g., if one 
squad is reported to be backward in drill, 
arm drill, or extended order work, then it 
would be arranged for these branches to 
receive special attention during the ensu- 
ing week. 

Many matters requiring attention can 
be settled at such an assembly, improve- 
ments in the work suggested and adopted, 
and the detail of the week's programme 
thoroughly discussed and arranged. This 
weekly meeting was found to be a most 
useful institution. 

Copies of the Time-Table were dupli- 
cated and distributed to each squad com- 
mander, and also posted in the officers' 
and sergeants' messes and the men's can- 
teen, in order that all should be cognizant 
of what was to be done, and make prepa- 
ration therefor. 

A programme so arranged and carried 
out is reproduced here for information; 



THE WEEKLY TIME-TABLE 169 

it is in two parts: (a) General plan of 
work for the w^eek, and (b) programme 
for the squads on parade: — 

(Note: — The Adaptor has decided it is 
best to print this programme in its en- 
tirety, as it is an excellent model and 
should be studied by company com- 
manders.) 



170 



RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 





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IV. 

RECORD OF AA^ORK DONE 

Careful record must be kept of the work 
done by the different squads. With the 
short time at disposal it is very neces- 
sary that more time than it is possible 
to devote with fairness to other matters 
should not be allotted to any one sub- 
ject. This can only be effected by keep- 
ing carefully, a register, entering up each 
day the particular items dealt with. This 
register took the following shape, daily 
work, of course, not being mentioned : — 





Record of 


Work 


Done 


No. 


A.— PRACTICAL WORK. 


Done by Squads. 


3 


Extended Order Drill. 


ABCDEFHJ. 


4 


Platoon Drill. 


ABCDEFG. 


5 


Company Drill. 


A B C D. 


6 


Route March. 


Weekly. 


7 


Attack Drill. 


A B C D. 



And so on. 
173 



174 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 



No. 


B.— LECTURES. 


Given to Squads. 


25 


History of the Corps. 


ABCDFG. 


26 


PriU 


ABFG. 


27 


Discipline. 


C D E F H. 


28 


Marching and March Disci- 
pline. 


A B C D. 


And so on. 

or it might be done as under: — 


Squad. 


A. — Practical work done: 
Number in Schedule. 


B. Lectures given: 
Number in Schedule. 


A. 


3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 18. 


25, 26, 28, 29, 41. 


B. 


3,4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. 12, 13. 


25, 26, 27, 28. 



And so on. 



RAINY WEATHER 

It is a very difficult problem sometimes 
to know what to do with men during wet 
weather. It is quite certain that, with re- 
cruits, drill should be abandoned. Men 
get wet and uncomfortable, and conse- 
quently slack, and slack drill is worse than 
no drill, as it puts men back and gets 
them into bad habits. If a man moves 
about whilst standing at attention (wipes 
his face, shifts his feet) once unchecked, 
he will do so again, and others will follow 
his example. 

A route march can, of course, always be 
persisted in in rain. 

Rain affords a good opportunity for lec- 
turing, and it was always found that the 
lectures given in this book had never been 

175 



176 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

exhausted when the rain came. But there 
is a limit to the powers of endurance of 
men to lectures — they cannot be continued 
for a whole day, for example. There are 
many other instructional exercises which 
can be given during rain, provided the 
necessary indoor accommodation can be 
secured, and it is not difficult now to ar- 
range for the loan of halls, lecture rooms, 
schoolrooms, etc. Amongst these exercises, 
the following were found to be practicable 
indoor work: — 

(i) Always commence with physical 

training, if possible, 
(ii) Ceremonial work — inspection — 
marching past — eyes right — sa- 
lute — explain in detail, 
(iii) Practise saluting — march by in 
fours, saluting an officer, tak- 
ing time from inside man. 
(iv) Changing guard routine — relief 

of sentries, etc. 
(v) Funeral party. 
(vi) Sizing squads. 

(vii) Passing messages (men in circle), 
(viii) Inspection and proving a platoon 



RAINY WEATHER 177 

of full strength — four sections; 
with section commanders. 
(ix) Trench drill — extend a section to 
arm's length — tell off into three 
squads — center squad two paces 
step back, and line of toes 
equals plan of a section fire 
trench. 
(x) Knots and lashings. 
(xi) Guards and guard mounting. 
This can be done indoors. 

(xii) Bayonet fighting. 

(xiii) Squad drill, especially with arms. 
If there are many squads work- 
ing together, this is rather an 
advantage — practice for squad 
commanders in avoiding colli- 
sions; orders smartly given and 
obeyed. 

(xiv) Musketry and map work, of 
course, can always be done in- 
doors. 

(xv) Always finish with a smart and 
short route march — one hour — 
to wake the men up outdoors, 
unless the weather is too bad. 



VI 

CONCLUSION 

The course of work prescribed for new 
soldiers in this little book is quite frankly 
what it proclaims itself to be, viz., rapid 
training of recruits; and many with long 
experience in dealing with recruits will 
feel, and doubtless say, that there is too 
much rush about the whole thing. In an- 
swer to this it can only be stated that the 
times are critical, the circumstances ab- 
normal. We have to train our fighting 
men as quickly and as efficiently as possi- 
ble. Here is this war, bringing us face 
to face with the greatest problems that 
have yet confronted us as a nation. Men 
are urgently wanted. Thank God, they 
aire fofrthcoming. For the greater part 
they are far keener than the old style of 

178 



CONCLUSION 179 

recruit in peace time, and they have to 
work correspondingly harder — they and 
their instructors, and all concerned with 
the important work of training our sol- 
diers. That spirit, before referred to, of 
self-complacency at enlisting — the feeling 
of having sufficiently served their country 
by donning a suit of khaki — where it ex- 
ists — must be repressed at all hazards. 
Men are enlisting in thousands to fight our 
enemies. To be of the slightest use in the 
fight they must be trained, and it is the 
bounden duty of all — officers, instructors, 
and recruits — to waste no time, to spare 
no energies, to devote every moment to 
this tremendous task of transforming a 
business and professional community into 
a nation of soldiers. Old stereotyped tra- 
ditions as to the work of teaching must be 
abandoned — or put on one side; wooden 
methods forgotten; ''cannot be done" 
made positive. Finer material has never 
before come to our Army, and never ere 
this was there such need. 

It is in the hope of pushing forward this 
work of training, if only by a fraction of 



180 RAPID TRAINING OF RECRUITS 

an inch, that these notes, compiled care- 
fully from time to time, and recorded in 
the first instance for purely private use, 
have now been made public. 



LIBRARY 




